Chapter 6.2, Problem 18SSC

To determine

To Discuss: The direction of force in top load washing machine and force exerting agent.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an object movesin a circular trajectory, a force acts on the object. The direction of force is toward the center of the circular path. This force is called as centripetal force.

When an object is moving in a circular trajectory, a force acts on the object due to its inertia directed away from the center. This force is called as centrifugal force.

Both centripetal and centrifugal force are same force but in opposite direction. Only the frame of reference differs.

If the rotating system is observed from outside, an inward centripetal force acts on the rotating object.

In top load washing machine spin cycle, the direction of force which acts on the clothes during spin cycle is towards the center of the tub. This force is the centripetal force.

Due to centrifugal force, the clothes wants to go out of the tub walls, so the wall of the tub exerts force on the clothes.