physics
If a mass attached to the center of a vertical circle swings around at a fixed speed (v) and gravity pulls straight downward, would the tensions in the rope attached to the mass be different at the top of the circle, straight down to bottom of circle, and directly straight out from the center of the circle? Would they equal? If not, which one has the most and least tension?
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Answers
The tensions in the rope attached to the mass will not be equal at the different points around the circle. At the top of the circle, the tension will be greatest due to the fact that the mass is at the highest point and will experience a larger gravitational force. At the bottom of the circle, the tension will be less as the mass is now at its lowest point and experiences a smaller gravitational force. When the rope is pulled straight out from the center of the circle, the tension will be the least, as the mass is not experiencing any gravitational pull.
