- #1
D.Strauss
- 2
- 0
Hi all,
I have a conceptual question about the net force of a rotating or spinning ball attached to a string. If we have a situation such as a tether-ball game where the ball is being swung around a string at an angle to the vertical, is the net force the tension in the string, or the component of the tension that acts as the centripetal force? To me personally it seems that the net force should be the centripetal force as this is what is causing the balls acceleration, but then again the only force that can act on the ball (aside from gravity) is through the string.
Any help in clearing this up is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for any answers.
I have a conceptual question about the net force of a rotating or spinning ball attached to a string. If we have a situation such as a tether-ball game where the ball is being swung around a string at an angle to the vertical, is the net force the tension in the string, or the component of the tension that acts as the centripetal force? To me personally it seems that the net force should be the centripetal force as this is what is causing the balls acceleration, but then again the only force that can act on the ball (aside from gravity) is through the string.
Any help in clearing this up is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for any answers.