A small mass attached to a string rotates on a frictionless table top as shown. If the tension in the string is increased by pulling the string causing the radius of the circular motion to decrease by a factor of 2, the kinetic energy of the mass will [figure]
- decrease by a factor of 2
- remain constant
- increase by a factor of 2
- increase by a factor of 4
Answer
(4) increase by a factor of 4
Solution
The tension acts along the string towards the centre, so its torque about the centre is zero.
Angular momentum is conserved: L = mvr = constant
Kinetic energy, K = 12mv2 = L22mr2
K 1r2
When r becomes r2, K becomes 4K.
The kinetic energy increases by a factor of 4.
Answer: (4)