Why doesn't the water in a cup spill if the cup is rotated vertically?

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Why doesn't the water in a cup spill if the cup is rotated vertically?

2007-11-03 22:48:18 · 1 answers · asked by Joel D. 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

1 answers

The most common answer is, "At sufficient speeds, centrifugal force holds the water in the cup." but that is a little oversimplified. Centrifugal force is only an "apparent" force... its really centripetal acceleration that keeps the water from spilling. Circular motion is fun like that.

2007-11-03 22:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by eggman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋