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Old 12-26-2008, 06:28 PM
Jeff Jeff is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 701
Pistol - you asked -: " -- what about if its the other way around..i.e if there is no tangential force it would end up at point B."

Not according to Newtonian laws.

Let me quote from this link that nmgolfer suggested that I read.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circles/U6L1d.cfm

"An object moving in circular motion is at all times moving tangent to the circle; the velocity vector for the object is directed tangentially. To make the circular motion, there must be a net or unbalanced force directed towards the center of the circle in order to deviate the object from its otherwise tangential path. This path is an inward force - a centripetal force."

That section states that at every instantaneous moment in time an object in circular motion is moving at a tangent to a circle and the velocity vector is directed tangentially. Tangentially means that it is directed at right angles to the radius of the circle at the point on the circumference where the object is presently located. That means that if there was no centripetal force operant, the vector force would cause the object to travel in a straight line direction - towards point B. What causes the orbiting object to remain on the circular path, and move to point C, is the presence of an unbalanced force directed towards the center of the circle - a centripetal force.

Jeff.