someone swings a bucket of water in a vertical circle. Describe the water's motion to another person? or How would you? & also how to explain the motion of the water to them? How come the water didn't fall on the persons head?
A: Centrifugal force causes the water to not fall .. but why. Is there a depth explanation to this question. Seems simple but is complex in its answer. Can't figure it out
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To describe the motion of the water in the bucket to someone else, you can explain that as the bucket is swung in a vertical circle, the water inside also moves in a circular path. This means that the water continuously changes its direction, moving upward when the bucket is at the bottom of the swing, and moving downward when the bucket is at the top of the swing.
To explain why the water doesn't fall on the person's head, you can discuss the concept of centrifugal force. When an object moves in a circular path, like the bucket swinging in a vertical circle, there is an outward force called centrifugal force. This force counteracts the force of gravity, pulling the water away from the center of the circle and towards the edges of the bucket.
In other words, the centrifugal force acts as a "pseudo" or apparent force that keeps the water inside the bucket. If the bucket is swung fast enough and there is enough water in it, the centrifugal force can become stronger than the force of gravity, preventing the water from falling out.
It's important to note that the water doesn't actually defy gravity, but it appears that way due to the combination of forces at play. The centripetal force, which keeps the bucket moving in a circular path, is provided by the tension in the string or the force exerted by the person's hand.
In summary, the circular motion of the bucket causes the water inside to also move in a circular path. The centrifugal force acts outward and counteracts gravity, allowing the water to stay inside the bucket and not fall on the person's head.