Centripetal Force: Moving Away from the Centre

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of centripetal force, which causes objects to move towards the center. The first point states that force is needed towards the center for acceleration to occur. The second point mentions movement to the left, towards A, or away from the center. The third point explains that the right hand spring, attached to B, stretches to provide force. The speaker also clarifies that the springs getting compressed or stretched causes the object to move towards the center.
  • #1
v_pino
169
0
The answer is as follow:


-force is needed toward the centre or there is acceleration toward the centre

-movement to the left/toward A/away from the centre

-right hand spring (attached to B) has to stretch to provide force



I understand that centripetal force acts towards the center as stated in the first point of the answer. But I don't know why M moves away from the center and that spring attached to B stretches. Thank you. :)
 

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  • #2
Look at it from above. M just "wants" to go straight--until the springs get compressed/stretched and start pulling it towards the center.
 
  • #3
Thanks! :D clears everything!
 

FAQ: Centripetal Force: Moving Away from the Centre

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a force that acts on an object moving in a circular path and is directed towards the center of the circle. It is responsible for keeping the object moving in a curved path instead of continuing in a straight line.

How is centripetal force different from centrifugal force?

Centripetal force and centrifugal force are often confused, but they are actually two different forces. Centripetal force is the force that pulls an object towards the center of a circle, while centrifugal force is the apparent outward force that an object feels when it is rotating in a circle. Centrifugal force is not a real force and is just a result of an object's inertia.

What factors affect the magnitude of centripetal force?

The magnitude of centripetal force is affected by the mass of the object, the speed at which it is moving, and the radius of the circular path. The greater the mass or speed of the object, or the smaller the radius of the circle, the greater the centripetal force needed to keep the object moving in a circular path.

How is centripetal force related to Newton's laws of motion?

Centripetal force is related to Newton's laws of motion in that it is a result of the first law, also known as the law of inertia. An object in motion will continue to move in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. In the case of circular motion, the centripetal force acts as the force that changes the direction of the object's motion, keeping it in a circular path.

Can centripetal force be calculated?

Yes, centripetal force can be calculated using the equation F = mv^2/r, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, v is the speed of the object, and r is the radius of the circle. This equation is derived from Newton's second law, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration.

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