Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Letter: Letter

Published 29 March 2003

From Bill McInnes

Alan Calverd is wrong to say that the centripetal force is balanced by an equal and opposite centrifugal force. If it were, then a stone being whirled round on a length of string would continue in a straight line, as indicated by Newton’s first law.

To follow a circular path, the stone requires an unbalanced force perpendicular to the motion.

Kings Point, New South Wales, Australia

Issue no. 2388 published 29 March 2003

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop