Whirling an Object in a HORIZONTAL Circle | Symbolic Physics (AP Free Response, College I)
Based on the following AP free response problem from 1989. Non-numeric solution. Decided to emphasize the dynamics portion.
1989B1. An object of mass M on a string is whirled with increasing speed in a horizontal circle, as shown above. When the string breaks, the object has speed vo and the circular path has radius R and is a height h above the ground. Neglect air friction.
a. Determine the following, expressing all answers in terms of h, vo, and g.
i. The time required for the object to hit the ground after the string breaks
ii. The horizontal distance the object travels from the time the string breaks until it hits the ground iii. The speed of the object just before it hits the ground
b. On the figure below, draw and label all the forces acting on the object when it is in the position shown in the diagram above.
.
c. Determine the tension in the string just before the string breaks. Express your answer in terms of M, R, vo, & g.