Johanna makes the table below to organize her notes about centripetal forces.

\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline
\multicolumn{1}{|c|}{Circular Motion} & Centripetal Force \\
\hline
a space station in orbit & gravity \\
\hline
a child in a swing & [tex]$X$[/tex] \\
\hline
a ball on a string & tension \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which type of force should she place in the cell marked [tex]$X$[/tex]?

A. tension
B. gravity
C. friction
D. normal



Answer :

To determine the type of force that should be placed in the cell marked [tex]\(X\)[/tex] in Johanna's table for a child in a swing, let's consider the situation of a child swinging.

When a child is in a swing, they move back and forth in a circular arc. The force that keeps the child moving in this circular path is known as the centripetal force. In this context, the centripetal force needs to point towards the center of the circular path.

Since the swing is attached to the support by ropes or chains, the centripetal force is provided by the tension in the ropes or chains. This tension force is what pulls the child towards the center in each swing, allowing the circular motion to occur.

Thus, for the cell marked [tex]\(X\)[/tex] in the table for a child in a swing, the correct type of force is "tension".

So Johanna should place the word "tension" in the cell marked [tex]\(X\)[/tex].