Uniform Circular Motion: What Happens When the String Snaps?
What would happen if the string snaps while Glenn is spinning a small block tied to the end of a string?
a. It will follow a path perpendicular to the circle.
b. It will continue along a path tangent to the circle.
c. The path cannot be known without first knowing mass and velocity.
d. It will follow a curved path, spiraling outward.
Answer:
If the string breaks while the block is in uniform circular motion, the block will move in a straight line path tangent to the circle at the point of release, according to Newton's first law. Therefore, the correct option is B.
When Glenn is spinning a small block tied to the end of a string exhibiting uniform circular motion and the string snaps, the block will continue along a path tangent to the circle. This behavior is a consequence of Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object in motion will continue in straight-line motion unless acted upon by an external force.
In this case, when the string breaks, there is no longer a centripetal force acting towards the center of the circle, so the block moves in a straight line path that is tangent to the point on the circle where it was released.
Newton's first law helps us understand the predictable behavior of objects in motion and the importance of external forces in changing their paths. It is fascinating to see how the laws of physics govern even seemingly simple actions like spinning a block on a string. Understanding these principles can deepen our appreciation for the world around us and the underlying order in nature.