I have an object (lets make it a cube of steel). This cube is perfectly frictionless. somehow I manage to place this perfectly frictionless cube on top of a perfectly level and perfectly frictionless table so that one flat side of the cube is lying on top of this flat table. The table is directly on top of the flat ground. The table is held securely in place (it will never move relative to the ground). The cube is held in place with a clamp that is attached to the ground so that both of them are stationary (relative to the ground). After the clamp is perfectly withdrawn from the cube (it does not give it any momentum/energy) Will the cube move because of the centripetal force of the earth?
If yes, with what velocity? (magnitude and direction)
2006-12-28 10:24:38 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I think it will remain stationary on the table because it has an initial velocity the same as the table. The only force vector is downward and the table won't let the cube fall..
Good description, by the way!
2006-12-28 10:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by firefly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uniform motion exhibits exactly the same physical characteristics as a stationary object. Any experiment you perform inside an airplane moving at a constant velocity will yield the same results if performed on the ground. The only "forces" on your cube are perpendicular to the table - the cube will remain stationary, unless you sneeze or some other force acts on it. Since everything in your scenario is frictionless, it would necessarily need to be performed in a sealed container devoid of any possible outside influence.
2006-12-28 20:09:14 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋