A hornet circles around a pop can at constant speed once per second in a path with a 12-cm diameter. We can conclude that the hornet's wings must push on the air with force components that are
A) straight down.
B) down and inwards.
C) down and outwards.
D) down and backwards.
E) down, inwards and backwards.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To maintain the circle at constant speed, the force applied to the air by the hornet's wings must create a centripetal force. Since the path of the hornet is curved inward towards the can, the force components must be directed outwards to create the necessary centripetal force. The only option that describes this is choice C, down and outwards.

A Hornet Circles Around a Pop Can at Constant Speed