Question

A 250g ball is being swung faster and faster in a horizontal circle. When the speed reaches 15 m/s, the tension (T) is 500 N and the string breaks. What is the radius (r) of the circle?

a) 56.25 m
b) 62.5 m
c) 75 m
d) 93.75 m

Answer 1

The radius of the circle is 56.25 m.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the radius of the circle, we can use the equation for centripetal force:

T = (mv2) / r

Where T is the tension, m is the mass of the ball, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circle.

Given that the mass of the ball (m) is 250g, the tension (T) is 500N, and the velocity (v) is 15m/s, we can rearrange the equation to solve for r:

r = (mv2) / T

Substituting the given values:

r = (0.25kg * (15m/s)2) / 500N

r = 56.25m

Therefore, the radius of the circle is 56.25m, which corresponds to option a).