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Re: [Phys-L] field of an ellipsoidal distribution



Carl wrote:
"The YouTube video neglects a small correction by assuming that N points in the
radial direction. This is the old question of “which way does a plumb bob
point” on a rotating earth point? . . .

Interesting ... My spin is that the You Tube guy is not thinking of a plumb bob - he is modeling an object resting on a horizontal table top at the earth's surface. Then his calculated N is indeed the normal force of the table top on his test object. In addition there is required a frictional force from the table top to balance the horizontal component of the centrifugal force.
For a hanging bob model, the string must supply both components, as a single tension force (T, not N).

Bob Sciamanda
Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (Em)
treborsci@verizon.net
www.sciamanda.com