Question

If a ball at the end of a string is whirled in a vertical circle at constant speed, the tension will be - greatest at the lowest point in the motion. - greatest at the highest point in the motion. - greatest at a point where the string is instantaneously parallel to the ground. - the same throughout the motion.

Answer 1

The tension in the string will be greatest at the lowest point in the motion. This is because at the lowest point, the weight of the ball is at its maximum, and the tension in the string must be sufficient to support the weight of the ball and provide the necessary centripetal force to keep the ball moving in a circular path. At the highest point, the weight of the ball is at its minimum, and the tension in the string is correspondingly lower. At a point where the string is instantaneously parallel to the ground, the tension in the string is also lower than at the lowest point. Therefore, the correct answer is that the tension will be greatest at the lowest point in the motion.