Question

A mass m is attached to a thin wire and whirled in a vertical circle. The wire is most likely to break when:

(1) the mass is at the highest point

(2) the wire is horizontal

(3) the mass is at the lowest point

(4) inclined at an angle of 60° from vertical

Answer 1

Ans : (3) the mass is at the lowest point

Explanation :

We know that,

T– mg = mu²/l

⇒ T = mg + mu²/l

The tension is maximum at the lowest position of mass, so the chance of breaking is maximum.