Chapter 10, Problem 8A

When you whirl a can at the end of a string in a circular path, what is the direction of the force that acts on the can?

To determine

The direction in which the force acts on the can tied at the end of string and whirling in a circle.

Answer to Problem 8A

In a tangential direction to the motion of the can.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an object moves in a circle, its speed remains constant always but its direction always changes which is always tangential.

Now, the force on the can whirling in a circle acts in the direction of the speed acting on the can. Hence, the force will also act in the tangential direction of the motion.

Conclusion:

When a can whirl in circle as given, then a force acts on it which is in a tangential direction to its motion.