Chapter 10, Problem 13A

A ladybug in the bottom of a whirling tin can feels a centrifugal force pushing it against the bottom of the can. Is there an outside source of this force? Can you identify this as the action force of an action-reaction pair? If so, what is the reaction force?

To determine

Whether there is any outside source of force for a ladybug in the bottom of a whirling tin can.

To Identify:Action forceand the reaction force of an action reaction pair.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

If anobject is revolving in a circular motion, the force that acts on the object that is directed towards center of a circle is centripetal force.This force is balanced by a force which is directed away from center, is called centrifugal force.

As the ladybug inside the rotating can, the can presses the lady bug’s feet and provides centripetal force that holds the circular path. Also, ladybug pushes the can outward with the centrifugal force.Neglecting the force of gravity, the only force that ladybug feels is the force of can on his feet. From outside frame of reference, no centrifugal force on the ladybug is seen.So, action and reaction pair of forces does not exist as there is no reaction force.

Conclusion:

There is no outside source of centrifugal force.