The words centripetal and centrifugal in physics have their dictionary meanings. centripetal=toward the centre, centrifugal=away from the centre. They are equal and opposite, action and reaction.
Most people get it wrong because they do not understand that the centripetal force acts on the stone, and the centrifugal force acts on the string (or the boy). We then get incorrect statements about the centrifugal force throwing the rock out and keeping the string taut and that sort of thing.
What keeps the string taut? The boy pulling on it.
What balances the centripetal force on the stone? Nothing, that's why it moves in a circle.
As a general rule, the more words used to describe the phenomenon,
the more errors will be introduced.
Regardless of terminology, I have seen Golfers swing a clubhead attached to a 48" rope. They swing this rope club and hit the ball. The ball goes far. Longer than I am with a graphite shaft. Whatever name you use to identify the forces involved, we know that very great forces were involved, more than muscle power can generate. And it makes your list of power sources look a little inapplicable.
Originally Posted by golf_sceptic
Sources of power in the golf swing (focussed on the club)
1. early in the downswing -- leverage through "locked" wrists
2. mid-downswing to impact -- the slingshot (or flail) effect
together with leverage applied through the hands.
Regardless of terminology, I have seen Golfers swing a clubhead attached to a 48" rope. They swing this rope club and hit the ball. The ball goes far. Longer than I am with a graphite shaft. Whatever name you use to identify the forces involved, we know that very great forces were involved, more than muscle power can generate.
Yes. I remember Wedgy Winchester (US pro who toured Australia in the 70s
and gave trick shot demos) and his rubber hose shafted club well. There
was centrifugal force at work there as well, but not on the clubhead!
Quote:
And it makes your list of power sources look a little inapplicable.
Nope. The power comes from the second of the sources -- the flail or slingshot effect. This is what Homer incorrectly labelled as centrifugal.
Let's not get distracted though. It's not my theories that are under the spotlight. It's simply the misunderstanding of centrifugal force in Homer's writings (and most explanations) that is at stake. That's all. No more. No less. I'm more than happy to explain the physics correctly and let others ponder on the implications for TGM. In my book it doesn't change the teaching principles one little bit.
Last edited by golf_sceptic : 06-27-2006 at 12:43 AM.
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