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A heavy mass is attached to a thin wire and whirled in a vertical circle. The wire is most likely to break

1. when the mass is at the highest point of the circle
2. when the mass is at the lowest point of the circle
3. when the wire is horizontal
4. at an angle of $\cos^{-1}(1/3)$ from the upward vertical

Correct answer: when the mass is at the lowest point of the circle

Solution

In a vertical circle, the speed is maximum at the lowest point due to conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. Also, tension there must provide centripetal force in addition to balancing weight, so it is maximum at the bottom. Therefore, the wire is most likely to break at the lowest point.

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