- #1
mr.physics
- 21
- 0
Hi there,
I have a very basic question about string tension. Say I have a mass at the end of some string whirled around in a vertical circle. At the top of the swing why is there still tension? I get that if the speed of the mass is large enough some tension would be needed to supply the centripetal force, but I don't understand why the tension would act in response to the "needs" of the centripetal force. It seems to me there would only be tension if the mass were trying to move farther away from the center of the circle than allowed by the string. If I were to release the mass in this same configuration from the top of the swing with some velocity, why isn't the string just slack and why doesn't the mass just fall down in response to gravity?
Thanks for the help
I have a very basic question about string tension. Say I have a mass at the end of some string whirled around in a vertical circle. At the top of the swing why is there still tension? I get that if the speed of the mass is large enough some tension would be needed to supply the centripetal force, but I don't understand why the tension would act in response to the "needs" of the centripetal force. It seems to me there would only be tension if the mass were trying to move farther away from the center of the circle than allowed by the string. If I were to release the mass in this same configuration from the top of the swing with some velocity, why isn't the string just slack and why doesn't the mass just fall down in response to gravity?
Thanks for the help