Question

Glenn is spinning a small block tied to the end of a string, so that the block exhibits uniform circular motion. If the string were to snap, what would happen to the block?

A. It will continue along a path tangent to the circle.
B. It will follow a path perpendicular to the circle.
C. It will follow a curved path, spiraling outward.
D. The path cannot be know without first knowing mass and velocity.

Answer 1

If the string snaps while the block exhibits uniform circular motion, the block will continue in a straight line path, tangent to the circle at the point of release due to Newton's first law.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Glenn is spinning a small block tied to the end of a string, exhibiting uniform circular motion, and the string snaps, according to Newton's first law of motion, the block would continue to move in a straight line path, tangent to the circle at the point of release. This is because at the moment the string breaks, there is no longer any force causing the block to move in a circular path. It's a common misconception that the block would continue to follow a curved path.