What is the force keeping a twirling mass from falling due to gravity?

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When twirling a mass on a string horizontally, the force preventing the mass from falling due to gravity is the vertical component of tension in the string. Although the motion appears horizontal, the string cannot be perfectly horizontal, meaning there is always some vertical tension to counteract gravitational force. This vertical component is crucial for maintaining the mass's position and preventing it from dropping. The discussion clarifies that while the mass can move in a horizontal path, the string's angle ensures a balance of forces. Understanding this tension is key to grasping the dynamics of circular motion.
Mattowander
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Hello! I'm very new to these forums so please pardon my ignorance.

When you twirl a mass on a string horizontally (I.E. you hold a string with a mass on the end of it and spin around) , what is the force keeping the mass from falling due to gravity? I'm a little curious and I can't seem to understand this. I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!
 
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Tension.
 
I thought the tension acted perp. to the object's weight?
 
Mattowander said:
Hello! I'm very new to these forums so please pardon my ignorance.

When you twirl a mass on a string horizontally (I.E. you hold a string with a mass on the end of it and spin around) , what is the force keeping the mass from falling due to gravity? I'm a little curious and I can't seem to understand this. I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

The vertical component of tension.

CS
 
Ah alright thank you! :)
 
The mass will never be traveling in a completely horizontal path, there will be a finite vertical component as mentioned above to oppose the force from gravity
 
NoobixCube said:
The mass will never be traveling in a completely horizontal path, there will be a finite vertical component as mentioned above to oppose the force from gravity
I think you meant to say that the string will never be completely horizontal--thus there will always be a vertical component of tension to balance the weight. (The mass can certainly travel in a perfectly horizontal path.)
 

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