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Ball on a String, 1D50.10
Topic and Concept:
- Motion in Two Dimensions, [:MotionIn2D#CentralForces: 1D50. Central Forces] 
Location:
- Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)] 
- Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA2:(A2)] 
- Shelf: #1 
attachment:Ball03-400.jpg
Abstract:
A tennis ball tied to a sting is whirled around in a vertical circle by hand.
| Equipment | Location | ID Number | 
| 
 | 
 | 
 | 
| Tennis Ball w/Attached String (2) | ME, Bay A2, Shelf #1 | 
 | 
| Also can be found with in room tact cabinet | ||
Important Setup Notes:
- Please use the Tennis Ball ones only! The brass and wood balls, are for hand-held pendulums and can be dented if smacked around.
Setup and Procedure:
- Hold the string in hand securely.
- Swing the ball into a circular trajectory.
Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:
- N/A
Discussion:
When swinging the ball, which gives it momentum, the ball is unable to travel in a straight line. The string puts a tension on the ball causing it to arc around. In other words, the ball is put into a circular trajectory due to the centripetal force being provided by the tension in the string which is proportional to the tangential speed of the ball. To prove the is a central force to the audience, just simply let go of the string. The ball will then travel tangent to the circular trajectory it was on.
Videos:
- [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel] 
References:
- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_force Central Forces - Wikipedia] 
- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centripetal_force Centripetal Force - Wikipedia] 
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