Monday, January 14, 2013

2D Force and Circular Motion


    To analyze force in 2D means that the single force acting on the object can be comprised of two parts or components. There is a force going upwards and a force going rightwards. The vertical component is the upward influence of the force, and the horizontal component is the rightward influence of the force (Forces in Two Dimensions). To measure the amount of a single vector, you must use the trigonometric functions. For an object to move in a circle, it needs a centripetal force to act on it. The net force must be towards the circle that acts as the centripetal force. Next, it needs acceleration. The object, when moving in a circle, is moving at a constant speed, but changes direction. At all instances, the object is moving tangent to the circle, but the net force makes it move in a circle. To be in orbit means to revolve around another object. Satellites orbit planets by having one force. The net force is the one directed towards the planet. The pull of gravity pulls the satellite in. While it is moving at a constant speed, it constantly changes direction, therefore it is accelerating. At all instances, the satellite is moving tangent to the circle. But the net force pulls it in making it move in a circle. Planets revolve around the sun in the same way. Planets have a net force directed towards the sun. The sun’s gravity pulls the planets in. At all instances, the planets too move tangent to the circle. But, the sun’s gravity pulls them in making them travel in a circle. 

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