MIT Physics Demo -- Centrifugal versus Centripetal Motion

A wooden ball is attached to the rim of a spinning wheel. The ball is held in place by a string. When the spring is cut, the ball flies in a straight tangent to the wheel.

In the camera's frame of reference, the ball constantly accelerates around in a circle due to the centripetal force pulling it inwards. When the string is cut, the acceleration stops, and the ball flies away in a straight tangential line. When the string is cut in the rotating frame of reference, a ficticious force (centrifugal force) accelerates the ball.

See the original video on MIT TechTV - http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/740-mit-physics-demo----centrifugal-versus-centr...

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[staphinfection]

Maybe in your next MIT demo, you can explain how white lab coats make you appear smarter than you really are.

[fredb3]

What has this taught the student.

Well as we can see he certainly learned that gravity has an effect on the ball.

My proof!

Study the first time the ball is launched, the student overlooks the effect of gravity and observes the ball fall, without trying to catch it

After the student has observed the trajectory of the ball based on it's speed / trajectory vs gravity he can therefore acccuratly predict where the ball will go and as a result catches it.

Science at work here folks

xD

[swenbuddy1]

thanks MIT, we can always count on you to further our knowledge. this video is proof that your university is the best

[thesickandwounded]

well this was pointless and useless.

[CHEESYhairyGASH]

@Oshyrath thanks

[Oshyrath]

@CHEESYhairyGASH you're not funny. just stupid

[ohitsmeoh]

They're trying to demonstrate rotation is actually applied in a straight line. Centrifugal and centripetal forces are equal while the ball is traveling in a circle.

[dukes362]

you could have colored the ball with a bright colour to increase its visibility

[CHEESYhairyGASH]

you stupid bunch of cunts

[bradivoy]

@dannyreijo ... which produces the force opposing the one that tries to change that direction.