Why Doesn't Water Spill from a Bucket Tied to a String in Circular Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of circular motion, specifically addressing why water does not spill from a bucket when it is spun in a circle. Participants are exploring the forces at play in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary speed for the water to remain in the bucket and the forces acting on the system, including gravitational and centripetal forces. There is a suggestion to use free body diagrams to visualize these forces. One participant raises a question about explaining the phenomenon without referencing centrifugal force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and asking clarifying questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

One participant indicates that their inquiry is not for homework but for personal understanding, which may influence the depth of the discussion. There is an emphasis on avoiding certain concepts, such as centrifugal force, in the explanations.

oliviecheng
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a bucket of water is tied to a string and spun in a circle, why don’t the water spill out?can somebody help me explain detailly?


thx a lot
 
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If the bucket is going fast enough, the water will stay in a circle. What equations do you know?
 
Try thinking about the forces acting on the water (and the bucket) while the bucket is at the top and bottom of the circle. Draw a free body diagram or two, it should help you out a bit.

Hope that helps,
illu45
 
Hi, i just thought i would add a question to this, its not for my homework, but more for my own knowledge

how can you explain why the water stays in the bucket without using the centrifugal force? i understand the centripetal force pulling inwards, the gravitational force downwards, there is some tension on the rope, but i just need the final bit...?
 
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