A model aeroplane is fastened to a post by a string and flies in a horizontal…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A model aeroplane is fastened to a post by a string and flies in a horizontal circular path at constant height. When viewed from above, the centre of the circle is considered the centre of a clock face.
(i) At a certain instant the aeroplane is at the “10 o’clock” position. Draw a neat, labelled diagram showing the centre, the aeroplane, and the radius line from the centre to the aeroplane.
(ii) On the same diagram, draw and label the velocity vector of the aeroplane at that instant.
(iii) On the diagram, draw and label the force that keeps the aeroplane in its circular path.
(iv) Explain why no force acts on the aeroplane in the outward (radially away from the centre) direction at that instant.