JAMB Physics 2020 Objective — Question 29

Question 29 of 40 from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Physics 2020 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

29. A boy holds the end of a rubber cord from which hangs a solid metal ball. If the boy whirls the ball in a horizontal circle, keeping his hand still, in what direction will the ball move when the cord breaks?

A. A. Towards the hand of the boy
B. B. Away from the hand of the boy
C. C. In the direction of the tangent to the circle at the point of breakCorrect
D. D. None of the above

Explanation

When the cord breaks, the centripetal force is removed, so the ball moves in a straight line in the direction of the tangent to the circle at the point of break (Newton's first law).

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