Why does a stone tied to a string not fall?

In summary, the conversation discusses why a stone, when tied to a string and spun, does not fall despite having a horizontal velocity and centripetal force. It is explained that this is due to the balance between the gravitational force and centripetal force, as the string is at an angle and supports the stone's weight. This results in a zero vertical acceleration for the stone.
  • #1
utkarsh5
23
0
when we tie a stone to a string and spin it,it does not seem to fall.why does it happen?i mean to say that,no matter how great its horizontal velocity and centripetal force is,the vertical component of the acceleration won't be affected.it means that the stone should keep falling no matter how hard it is spun.why does it happen then?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here the falling force (gravitational) is being balanced by centripetal force. Hence do not fall.
 
  • #3
The string can never be completely horizontal, instead it's at some angle, and the vertical component of tension equals the weight of the stone (assuming steady state). It might be easier to understand this if you imagine that the stone is moving slowly, with the string nearly vertical, following the shape of a cone as the stone moves in a horizontal circle.
 
  • #4
rcgldr said:
The string can never be completely horizontal, instead it's at some angle, and the vertical component of tension equals the weight of the stone (assuming steady state). It might be easier to understand this if you imagine that the stone is moving slowly, with the string nearly vertical, following the shape of a cone as the stone moves in a horizontal circle.

rcgldr, you are right
but, utkarsh5 is asking about
when the stone is spinning in a horizontal circle why doesn't it fall, means what makes the stone to gain height.
 
  • #5
asitiaf said:
rcgldr, you are right
but, utkarsh5 is asking about
when the stone is spinning in a horizontal circle why doesn't it fall, means what makes the stone to gain height.
rcgldr gave the right answer. When the stone is making a horizontal circle, the string pulls at an angle, supporting the stone's weight as well as providing the centripetal force. The vertical acceleration of the stone is zero.
 
  • #6
thank you for your answers!now i understand the concept!thank you!
 

1. Why does a stone tied to a string not fall?

The stone tied to a string does not fall because of the centripetal force acting on it. This force is directed towards the center of the circular motion and counteracts the force of gravity, keeping the stone in its circular path.

2. What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, pulling it towards the center of the circle. It is necessary to keep an object in circular motion and prevent it from flying off in a straight line.

3. How is centripetal force different from centrifugal force?

Centripetal force is the force that pulls an object towards the center of the circle, whereas centrifugal force is the apparent force that pushes an object away from the center of the circle. Centrifugal force is a result of the object's inertia trying to keep it moving in a straight line.

4. Why does the string not break when a stone is tied to it?

The string does not break because it experiences tension, which is a force that acts on it and keeps it stretched. The tension in the string is equal to the force of the stone pulling on it, preventing it from breaking.

5. Can the speed of the stone be increased without breaking the string?

Yes, the speed of the stone can be increased without breaking the string as long as the tension in the string is also increased to counteract the increased force of the stone. This can be achieved by either increasing the length of the string or using a stronger string.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
843
Replies
60
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
0
Views
512
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
893
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
316
Back
Top