Question

All the sources I have read from say that radial component of acceleration of a body in circular motion only accounts for the change in direction . I do not understand how this is possible. Another thing I do not understand is what provides the torque for such a body to rotate. Could you please explain to me the forces and accelerations involved using the classic ball-and-rope example?

Answer 1

The radial component of acceleration in circular motion is responsible for the change in direction, and it is provided by the centripetal force.

The torque for a body in circular motion, like the classic ball-and-rope example, is generated by the tension in the rope.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radial Component of Acceleration: The radial component of acceleration in circular motion indeed accounts for the change in direction. In the context of the ball-and-rope example, consider a ball attached to a rope and swung in a horizontal circle.

In summary, the radial acceleration is a result of the centripetal force (tension), and the torque for rotation is provided by the tension in the rope. These principles explain the forces and accelerations in the classic ball-and-rope example.