An example of a merry-go-round can be used to explain which of the following scientific concepts to the students?

Concept:

Centripetal Force:

• Centripetal force is the force acting on an object in curvilinear motion directed towards the axis of rotation or center of curvature.
• The unit of centripetal force is Newton.
• The centripetal force is always directed perpendicular to the direction of the object’s displacement.
• Using Newton’s second law of motion, it is found that the centripetal force of an object moving in a circular path always acts towards the center of the circle.

Explanation:

• Merry-go-round is a type of amusement ride.
• It is circular shaped.
• The motion of a merry-go-round is circular motion.
• In this motion, the merry-go-round exerts a centripetal force on the person riding it.
• The more we move away from the center of circular motion the more centripetal force will be applied to the person riding it.
• To keep moving in this motion the merry-go-round must exert more force on the person.
• The centripetal force is the force that makes the body follow a curved path. It acts in the perpendicular direction to the body and towards a fixed point.
• The centripetal force on the person will be given by the following formula;

F_C = mv²/R
Where,FC is the centripetal force in newton (N), m  is mass in kg, v  is the velocity in m/s, R
 is the radius of motion in m

From, the above explanation it is clear that the merry-go-round is an example of a Centripetal Force.