Question

A ball rolls through a twisted and curved pipe. It exits the pipe on a horizontal table. The trajectory of the ball is:

a. Curved in the same degree as the last curve in the pipe
b. We cannot tell unless we know more about the shape of the pipe
c. Curved in the opposite direction as the last curve in the pipe
d. A straight line

Answer 1

from Newtons 1st law: if the ball is following a curved path outside of the pipe, there must be forces acting on it.

Answer 2

hint:
if we can neglect the weight of the ball, what are the forces which are acting on the ball, when it is out from the pipe?

Answer 3

normal force, and friction, I cant think of any other force???

Answer 4

I think that there are not forces which are acting on the ball.

Answer 5

what do you mean?

Answer 6

The forces must be the weight and the reaction of the table.

Answer 7

what does that have to do with anything :( Im sorry im confused

Answer 8

@hardequalsmath
everyone is trying to give you a clue without answering the question for you.

let's put it another way. if the ball does follow a curved path, it should have nothing to do with the fact it has just rolled through "a twisted and curved pipe".

yep? go back to Newton's first law, as i suggested right up at the top.

consider the motion of the ball and the fact that Newton's laws should dictate what the ball does.

Answer 9

oh! ok so since there is no other force between weight and normal and friction it goes in a straight line because there is no force to cause it to turn?

Answer 10

yes. brilliant.

Answer 11

oh i see now thank you SO much!!!!