Chapter 4, Problem 19TE

Suppose the string in the preceding exercise breaks and the stone slows in its upward motion. Draw a force vector diagram of the stone when it reaches the top of its path.

To determine

The force vector diagram of the stone when it reaches the top of its path.

Answer to Problem 19TE

The force vector diagram of the stone when it reaches the top of its path is given below:

Explanation of Solution

The two forces that influence the stone are tension in the string and weight of the stone. The tension in the string acts in the upward direction, while the weight of the stone acts in the downward direction. Since the stone is accelerating directing upward, the tension in the string must have greater magnitude as compared to the weight of the stone.

If the string is broken, then the tension in the string becomes zero due to which the net force on the stone is only due to the weight of the stone in a downward direction.

The force vector diagram of the stone when it reaches the top of its path is shown below:

Here,

$W$ is the weight of the stone

Conclusion:

Therefore, the force vector diagram of the stone when it reaches the top of its path is shown below: