A ball is tied to a string and swung in a vertical circle. At the highest point,

Practice Questions

A ball is tied to a string and swung in a vertical circle. At the highest point, the tension in the string is 2 N and the weight of the ball is 3 N. What is the speed of the ball at the highest point if the radius of the circle is 1 m?

1 m/s
2 m/s
3 m/s
4 m/s

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Correct Answer: 2.24 m/s

Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the ball at the highest point. The tension in the string (T) is 2 N and the weight of the ball (mg) is 3 N.
Step 2: Write down the equation that relates the forces to the motion of the ball. At the highest point, the sum of the tension and the weight provides the necessary centripetal force: T + mg = mv²/r.
Step 3: Substitute the known values into the equation. Here, T = 2 N, mg = 3 N, and r = 1 m. So, we have: 2 N + 3 N = mv²/1.
Step 4: Simplify the equation. This gives us: 5 N = mv².
Step 5: Since we need to find the speed (v), we can rearrange the equation to solve for v²: v² = 5.
Step 6: Take the square root of both sides to find v: v = √5.
Step 7: Calculate the numerical value of v. √5 is approximately 2.24 m/s.

Centripetal Force – Understanding the forces acting on an object in circular motion, specifically at the highest point of the vertical circle.
Newton's Second Law – Applying the relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration to solve for the speed of the ball.
Weight and Tension – Recognizing the roles of gravitational force (weight) and tension in the string in maintaining circular motion.

A ball is tied to a string and swung in a vertical circle. At the highest point,

Practice Questions

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

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