Question

A smooth block loosely fits in a circular tube placed on a horizontal surface. The block moves in a uniform circular motion along the tube. Which wall (inner or outer) will exert a nonzero normal contact force on the block?
Figure

Answer 1

The outer wall will exert a non-zero normal contact force on the block. As the block moves in a uniform circular motion, centrifugal force in radially outward direction acts on it and it comes in contact with the outer wall of the tube.