The figure shows two wires that are tied to a 710 g mass that revolves in a horizontal circle at a constant speed of 7.5 m/s. What is the tension in the upper wire?
A) 34 N
B) 20 N
C) 27 N
D) 41 N

Question

The figure shows two wires that are tied to a 710 g mass that revolves in a horizontal circle at a constant speed of 7.5 m/s. What is the tension in the upper wire? 
A) 34 N 
B) 20 N 
C) 27 N 
D) 41 N

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tension in the upper wire provides the centripetal force required to keep the mass moving in a circle. Using the formula for centripetal force Fc = mv^2/r, where m is the mass of the object, v is its velocity, and r is the radius of the circle, we can solve for the tension T in the upper wire:

Fc = T = mv^2/r

T = (0.710 kg)(7.5 m/s)^2/(0.70 m)

T = 34 N

Therefore, the tension in the upper wire is 34 N.

The Figure Shows Two Wires That Are Tied to a 710