Class 11 Physics simulations · Work, Energy and Power

Motion in a vertical circle

Whirl a stone on a string in a vertical circle. Below √(5gR) at the bottom, the string goes slack.

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What to notice

Tension is largest at the bottom and smallest at the top, where gravity helps provide the centripetal force.

Key relation

v_top² = u² − 4gR ; T_top = m(v_top²/R − g)

Try this

Set u just below √(5gR) and watch where the string slackens.

What you can change

• Radius R: 0.5 to 2 m
• Speed at bottom u: 2 to 12 m/s
• Mass: 0.1 to 2 kg

More in Work, Energy and Power

• Ballistic pendulum
• Elastic collision
• Conservation of energy
• Power of a lifting motor
• Glancing collision of two balls
• Spring launcher and energy transfer
• Work done by a variable force
• Work done by a force at an angle

See all Class 11 Physics simulations or every Physica simulation.