Physics Chapter 4: Stability and Centripetal Force

Flashcards covering the applications of stability, the mechanics of balancing toys, and the principles of centripetal force from Physics Chapter 4.

Stability Application

The use of physics principles in engineering technology, particularly for manufacturing racing cars and balancing toys.

Racing Car Stability Enhancements

Design features where centres of mass are kept as low as possible and the base area is increased by keeping wheels outside of the main body.

Balancing Toys Physics

A system in a stable state where the centre of gravity always remains below the pivot point.

Examples of Balancing Toys

1. Double Pendulum 2. Balancing Bird 3. Walking Acrobat

Disturbed Balancing Toys

When moved, the centre of gravity is raised and the toy becomes unstable for a moment, then it returns to its initial position by lowering the centre of gravity.

Resultant Torque

An influence applied to a rotating object that causes it to accelerate depending on its direction relative to the axis of rotation.

First Law of Motion (Rotation)

A rotating object will continue to do so with constant angular velocity unless acted upon by a torque.

Circular Path Velocity

The velocity at any point on a circular path that is directed along the tangent drawn at that point.

Velocity Change in Circular Motion

The constant alteration of velocity for an object moving with uniform velocity in a circle because the direction of the tangent at each point is different.

$F$ and $V$ Relationship in Circular Motion

Force and velocity are perpendicular; the magnitude of velocity remains constant because the component of force along $V$ is $F \text{ cos}(90^\text{o}) = 0$.

Centripetal Force

The force that causes an object to move in a circle at constant speed.

Examples of Centripetal Force

1. Moon orbiting Earth 2. Washing machine spin cycle 3. Cream Separator

Washing Machine Dryer Physics

Friction between clothes and drum walls provides centripetal force; water molecules escape through holes because they lack the required centripetal force to move in circular paths.

Tension $T$

The force in a string that provides the necessary centripetal force to keep a tied stone moving in a circular path.

Earth's Gravity (Orbital)

The force that provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the moon moving in its circular orbit.