Question

A ball is tied to the end of a string and whirled in a horizontal circle at constant speed. Neglect gravity. Which of the following is true?

A. The acceleration of the ball is zero.

B. The centripetal force on the ball is zero.

C. The centripetal force on the ball points in the same direction as the tension on the ball.

D. The centripetal force on the ball points in the opposite direction as the tension on the ball.

E. None of these.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. The centripetal force on the ball points in the same direction as the tension on the ball.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is C. The centripetal force on the ball points in the same direction as the tension on the ball.

In circular motion, an object experiences a centripetal force that keeps it moving in a curved path. The tension in the string provides this centripetal force, which is always directed towards the center of the circular path.

For example, when you swing a ball on a string, the tension in the string is pulling the ball towards the center of the circle, creating the centripetal force that keeps the ball moving in a circular path.