Vertical Circular Motion involving centripetal force

In summary, the water in the bucket won't fall on you when it's at the top because the bucket is falling faster than the water and the water is also experiencing centripetal acceleration.
  • #1
Ammar SH
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Homework Statement



Say if you have water in the bucket and you spin it around really fast creating a vertically cricle. How come it won't fall on you when its at the top?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Hi Ammar SH! :smile:
Ammar SH said:
Say if you have water in the bucket and you spin it around really fast creating a vertically cricle. How come it won't fall on you when its at the top?

Short answer: because the bucket is falling faster than the water is (and at the top, it's moving horizontally anyway).

Technical answer: look up centripetal acceleration, and do F = ma (vertically).
 

FAQ: Vertical Circular Motion involving centripetal force

What is vertical circular motion?

Vertical circular motion is a type of motion where an object moves in a circular path with its center of rotation being in a vertical plane. This means that the object is constantly changing direction and velocity as it moves around the circle.

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is necessary for an object to maintain its circular motion.

How is centripetal force related to vertical circular motion?

In vertical circular motion, centripetal force is responsible for keeping the object moving in a circular path and preventing it from flying off in a straight line. Without centripetal force, the object would move in a straight line tangent to the circle.

How is centripetal force calculated?

Centripetal force can be calculated using the formula Fc = mv²/r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

What are some real-life examples of vertical circular motion involving centripetal force?

Some examples of vertical circular motion involving centripetal force are roller coasters, swinging on a playground swing, and a planet orbiting around a star. In all of these cases, an object is constantly changing direction and velocity as it moves in a circular path due to the force of gravity acting as the centripetal force.

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