[Physics] Rotating a stone with a string

centrifugal forcecentripetal-forceforcesnewtonian-mechanics

Suppose we are given a stick and a stone tied to the stick by a string. Now if we rotate the stone around the stick the stone rises in height (see picture below). My question is which force accounts for this rise in height?

enter image description here

According to me (please correct me if I am wrong) this happens due to centrifugal force. The centrifugal force is directed along the string outwards, so we can resolve it into two components, one is the horizontal component and the other is the vertical component. If the mass of the stone is m, its velocity is v, the length of the string is r, and the angle the string makes with the horizontal is θ, then the total centrifugal force is mv^2/r, the horizontal component of the centrifugal force is mv^2/r * cos(θ), and its vertical component is mv^2/r * sin(θ) (see picture below). Can anyone tell me if I am correct? The directions of the forces are given in the picture, but I am not sure whether the directions are right or not. Also note that in the second picture for sake of clarity I have not drawn the direction of rotation of the stone.

enter image description here

Best Answer

First of all $mv^2/r $ is a pseudo force that acts in frame of rotating body itself. So, let's work it like that.

The centrifugal force acts outwards radially from the circle of rotation (not along the thread).

enter image description here

First let's see the the first image.

$$T\cos\theta=mg$$ $$T\sin\theta=\dfrac{mv^2}r$$

As we move the body faster. $T\sin\theta$ must increase keeping the $T\cos\theta$ component constant(equals $mg$.)

So, both $T,\theta$ must increase to balance the centrifugal force and keep vertical component constant.

Hence , body moves upwards while speed of rotation increases.

Also, see that the motion with $\theta\ge90^0$ are not possible due to the vertical component are not balanced. The max. tension ($T\to\infty$) comes when $\lim \theta\to 90$

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