Long description

Two images that illustrate a common misconception about the path a ball will take through the air when swung around in a circle and then released. The first image shows a man spinning a ball on a string in a circle above his head. The image shows that when the ball is released, it follows a straight path in the direction it was travelling. This is correct. The second image shows the ball continuing to follow a curved path when released from its circular motion. This is incorrect and represents a common misconception.