Question

A heavy mass is attached at one end of a thin wire and whirled in a vertical circle. The chances of breaking the wire are maximum when

• A. the wire is horizontal.
• B. the mass is at the lowest point of the circle.
• C. the wire makes an angle of 60° with the horizontal.
• D. the mass is at the highest point of the circle.

Hint:

The tension in the wire is maximum when the mass is at the lowest point of the vertical circular path, as both the gravitational and centripetal forces add up at this point.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Tension in the wire.
The tension in the wire when the mass is at the lowest point of the circle is the highest because, at that point, both the gravitational force and the centripetal force act in the same direction, requiring the maximum tension to hold the mass. At the highest point of the circle, the forces work against each other, so the tension is less.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) The wire is horizontal, but the tension will not be at its maximum at this point. - (B) The mass is at the lowest point of the circle, where the chances of breaking the wire are maximum because the tension is highest. - (C) The wire makes an angle of 60° with the horizontal; this is not the point of maximum tension. - (D) The mass is at the highest point of the circle, but the tension here is less than at the lowest point.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B), as the chances of breaking the wire are maximum when the mass is at the lowest point of the circle.