Explain Flashcards
1
Q
Discuss in terms of the forces acting on it the motion of a ball swung on the end of a string so that it moves in a horizontal circle
A
Due to Netwon’s 1st Law, a force be acting on the ball as though it isn’t travelling in a straight line. Since it is moving in a circle velocity is changing constantly hence it is accelerating.
The force on the ball causes it to accelerate in the direction of the force (2nd Law= f:ma), the force is acting towards the centre.
The ball is supported because the rope is not horizontal, there’s equilibrium in the vertical direction. the weight of the ball (mg) is supported by the vertical component of the tension
