The equation below is the solution to a problem. .

The best physical representation of this equation is
A)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the bottom of a vertical circle.
B)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the side of a vertical circle.
C)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the top of a vertical circle.
D)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass at any point on a horizontal circle.
E)a 2.00-kg gecko running on the ceiling with a speed of 8.00 m/s.

Question

The equation below is the solution to a problem. ​  .
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The best physical representation of this equation is
A)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the bottom of a vertical circle. 
B)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the side of a vertical circle. 
C)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the top of a vertical circle. 
D)a sphere of 2.00-kg mass at any point on a horizontal circle. 
E)a 2.00-kg gecko running on the ceiling with a speed of 8.00 m/s.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given equation represents the centripetal force, which is equal to the tension force in this case. At the top of a vertical circle, the tension force is equal to the weight of the object, which is 19.6 N for a 2.00-kg mass. Since the tension force in the equation is less than 19.6 N, it cannot represent the situation at the top of a vertical circle. Similarly, at any point on a horizontal circle, the tension force would be zero, but the given equation has a non-zero value. The option with a sphere of 2.00-kg mass under a 6.00-N tension when at the side of a vertical circle also does not fit, as the tension force required to keep an object in circular motion at the side of a vertical circle would be less than the weight of the object. This leaves us with option C, where the tension force is less than the weight of the object, indicating that it is at the top of a vertical circle.

The Equation Below Is the Solution to a Problem