Merry Go Round Effect - Understand its Physics & Answer Daughter

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In summary, the conversation discusses the observation of increased RPM on a merry go round when pushing one's upper body towards the center and then back out again. This is explained by the conservation of angular momentum, where a figure skater's spin slows down when they open their arms due to the increased distance from the center. However, simply moving one's body in and out without adding any external energy should not change the RPM. The person seeking the answer is a PLC/PC programmer and would appreciate the correct explanation.
  • #1
donbcg
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Gentlemen,

Your humble science intelect required.

My daughter and I were riding a merry go round recently and as we were spinning she realized that if she pushed her upper body to the center and back out agian the rpm increased and we spun faster.

I am a PLC/PC programmer and haven't the best way to answer her. I was ashamed simply and would appreciate the correct answer.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
I can only explain it when she moves her body to the center that it will increase, but when she moves her body back to where she started you should be going the same speed. This is due to the conservation of angular momentum, like when a figure skater is spinning like a top and they open their arms they slow down due to more mass being further away from the center.

But moving her body directly from the inside to the out shouldn't actually change your RPM... Unless you push against the ground or something else, you're not adding any energy into the system.

But I could be missing something! :)
 

FAQ: Merry Go Round Effect - Understand its Physics & Answer Daughter

What is the Merry Go Round Effect?

The Merry Go Round Effect, also known as the Coriolis Effect, is the apparent deflection of objects or fluids on a rotating surface. This effect is caused by the Earth's rotation, causing objects to appear to curve as they move across the Earth's surface.

How does the Merry Go Round Effect work?

The Merry Go Round Effect is caused by the Earth's rotation. As the Earth rotates, objects on its surface are also rotating with it. This rotation creates a force known as the Coriolis force, which causes objects to appear to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is the significance of the Merry Go Round Effect?

The Merry Go Round Effect is important in meteorology and oceanography, as it affects the movement of air and water across the Earth's surface. It also has practical applications, such as in the design of race tracks, where drivers must take the Coriolis force into account when making turns.

How can the Merry Go Round Effect be demonstrated?

A simple way to demonstrate the Merry Go Round Effect is to spin a toy top or a fidget spinner on a rotating surface. As the top or spinner spins, it will start to tilt and appear to curve in the direction of the Earth's rotation.

How does the Merry Go Round Effect affect the trajectory of objects on a rotating surface?

The Merry Go Round Effect causes objects on a rotating surface to appear to curve in the direction of the Earth's rotation. This can affect the trajectory of objects, causing them to follow a curved path instead of a straight one. For example, a ball thrown on a spinning merry go round will appear to curve instead of traveling in a straight line.

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