Question

Spiderman shoots a web and then swings along the arc of a vertical circle. During his

swing, two forces act on him: his weight (W) and the tension in the web (T). When Spidey is at the lowest point of his swing, which of the following is true concerning the centripetal force (Fc)?

A. Fc = 0

B. Fc = T - W

C. Fc = T+W

D. Fc = W - T

Answer 1

At the lowest point of Spiderman's swing, the centripetal force that acts toward the center is equal to the tension in the web minus Spiderman's weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Spiderman is at the lowest point of his swing, the correct relation concerning the centripetal force (Fc) which acts toward the center of the vertical circle is Fc = T - W. At this point, the tension in the web (T) must provide enough force not only to support Spiderman's weight but also to provide the centripetal force necessary for the circular motion. Therefore, the tension is greater than his weight at the bottom of the swing, and the difference between the tension and the weight provides the centripetal force that keeps him moving in a circle.