Home Physics Motion in a Plane Non-uniform Circular Motion In a vertical circle of radius r , at what p…
Physics Motion in a Plane Non-uniform Circular Motion Single Correct MCQ
Published on: September 12, 2026

In a vertical circle of radius r , at what point in its path a particle has tension equal to zero if it is just able to complete the vertical circle

A
Highest point
B
Lowest point
C
Any point
D
At a point horizontally from the centre of circle of radius r

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Text Solution

Verified by Experts
The correct answer is:
A
Step 1: To determine the point in a vertical circle where the tension is zero for a particle just able to complete the circle, we must consider the forces acting on the particle.
Step 2: The forces acting on the particle at any point in the vertical circle are gravity (weight of the particle, given by mg, where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity) and tension (T).
Step 3: For the particle to just complete the circle, the gravitational force must provide the necessary centripetal force at the highest point of the circular path. The centripetal force required at the highest point is given by the equation:
$$F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}$$
where v is the speed of the particle at that point.
Step 4: At the highest point, the forces acting on the particle can be represented as:
$$mg - T = \frac{mv^2}{r} $$
If the particle just completes the vertical circle, the tension is zero (T = 0). Thus the equation becomes:
$$mg = \frac{mv^2}{r}$$
Step 5: This shows that at the highest point, the tension can be zero if the gravitational force is sufficient to maintain the centripetal acceleration, confirming Option A: Highest point as the correct answer.

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