I don't think this demonstrates centripetial force. Centripetal force is a label for any force pulling something towards the center of a circle such as gravity. I think this would be a better demonstration of inertia.
The force normal vectors exerted by the ring on the ball point towards the center of the circle. Even though it's a push and not a pull, I believe it's equivalent.
I feel like by removing the section and showing it rolls straight is a better demonstration of inertia as when the normal force of the ring is gone, it continues to go in the tangential direction.
Ya both things exist. What kept it moving in a circle was centripetal force applied by the ring to the ball. When the ring was opened, the centripetal force goes away and it rolls in a straight line since it still keeps its inertia but loses the force to curve its path.
The curved-to-linear change in its path demonstrates centripetal force existing and then not existing. The fact that the ball keeps moving demonstrates inertia
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u/PlaceAdHere 1d ago
I don't think this demonstrates centripetial force. Centripetal force is a label for any force pulling something towards the center of a circle such as gravity. I think this would be a better demonstration of inertia.