Why Doesn't Water Spill from a Bucket Tied to a String in Circular Motion?

In summary, the water stays in the bucket when it is spun in a circle because of the balance between centripetal force pulling inwards and gravitational force pulling downwards. Tension on the rope also plays a role in keeping the water from spilling out. The water will stay in the bucket as long as the centripetal force is strong enough to counteract the gravitational force.
  • #1
oliviecheng
2
0
a bucket of water is tied to a string and spun in a circle, why don’t the water spill out?can somebody help me explain detailly?


thx a lot
 
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  • #2
If the bucket is going fast enough, the water will stay in a circle. What equations do you know?
 
  • #3
Try thinking about the forces acting on the water (and the bucket) while the bucket is at the top and bottom of the circle. Draw a free body diagram or two, it should help you out a bit.

Hope that helps,
illu45
 
  • #4
Hi, i just thought i would add a question to this, its not for my homework, but more for my own knowledge

how can you explain why the water stays in the bucket without using the centrifugal force? i understand the centripetal force pulling inwards, the gravitational force downwards, there is some tension on the rope, but i just need the final bit...?
 
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FAQ: Why Doesn't Water Spill from a Bucket Tied to a String in Circular Motion?

Why doesn't the water spill out of a bucket when it is tied to a string and swung in a circular motion?

When an object is in motion, it experiences a force called centripetal force that pulls it towards the center of the circular path. In the case of the bucket, the centripetal force is provided by the tension in the string. As long as the tension is strong enough to overcome the force of gravity acting on the water, the water will stay in the bucket and not spill out.

Is there a limit to how fast I can swing the bucket without spilling the water?

Yes, there is a limit to how fast you can swing the bucket without spilling the water. This is because as the speed of the bucket increases, the centripetal force required to keep the water in the bucket also increases. If the speed becomes too great, the tension in the string may not be strong enough to provide the necessary centripetal force, causing the water to spill out.

How does the amount of water in the bucket affect whether or not it spills?

The amount of water in the bucket does not significantly affect whether or not it spills. As long as the tension in the string is strong enough to provide the necessary centripetal force, the amount of water does not play a major role. However, if the bucket is filled to the brim, there is a higher chance of the water sloshing and spilling out due to the force of inertia.

Will the water spill if I swing the bucket in a vertical circular motion instead of a horizontal one?

Yes, the water will spill if you swing the bucket in a vertical circular motion. This is because in a vertical circular motion, the force of gravity is acting downwards, making it more difficult for the tension in the string to provide the necessary centripetal force to keep the water in the bucket. Therefore, the speed of the bucket would have to be much lower in order to prevent the water from spilling.

Can I use any type of string to swing the bucket without spilling the water?

No, not all types of strings are suitable for swinging a bucket without spilling the water. The string needs to have a high enough tensile strength to withstand the tension required to keep the water in the bucket. Thin and weak strings may break under the force of the swinging motion, causing the water to spill out. It is recommended to use a strong and sturdy rope or cord for this experiment.

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