You see an object traveling in a circular path at a constant speed
a) Could this be an object that is NOT interacting with anything else (no forces)? Explain.
b) Could this be an object that is experiencing only balanced forces (net force is zero)?
2007-03-02 01:00:20 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
a) This is an object that is experiencing both centrifugal and centripetal forces. push and pull forces
b)The object experiences both the above forces This centrifugal force is equal in magnitude to the centripetal force, directed away from the center of rotation, and is exerted by the rotating object upon the object which imposes the centripetal acceleration
2007-03-02 01:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by Elcie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do not be fooled by constant speed. The object is accelerating since it is constantly changing direction.
Therefore the answers are both NO by Newton's first and/or second laws of motion.
Ignore all mentions of 'centrifugal force', especially any so-called balance between centripetal and centrifugal forces. There is only a centripetal force acting here. If there was a 'balance' and no net force, why would there be an acceleration?
2007-03-02 05:55:18 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Ditto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a) The object is subjected to centripetal acceleration due to its circular motion. This force has to be balanced by an identical centrifugal force (gravity, electric force, magnetic force, tether...) So the answer is NO, the object IS interacting with something else.
b) If the orbit is an ellipse (or circle), then the object is definitely experiencing balanced forces.
2007-03-02 01:16:43 · answer #3 · answered by catarthur 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A. No, an object in motion stays in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.
B. Sorry, I don't know enough about physics to declare if this means a net force of zero.
2007-03-02 01:13:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The object is accelerating towards the centre of the circle at an acceleration of v^2/r where v is its tangential velocity (L/T) and r is the radius (L). The object is therefore experiencing a net force equal (non-relativisticaly) to its mass times its acceleration.
2007-03-02 01:10:36 · answer #5 · answered by Always Hopeful 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋