Serway & Jewett — Circular Motion and Other Applications of Newton's Laws: Problem 30

An object of mass \(m_1 = 4.00 \text{ kg}\) is tied to an object of mass \(m_2 = 3.00 \text{ kg}\) with String 1 of length \(\ell = 0.500 \text{ m}\). The combination is swung in a vertical circular path on a second string, String 2, of length \(\ell = 0.500 \text{ m}\). During the motion, the two strings are collinear at all times as shown in Figure P6.30. At the top of its motion, \(m_2\) is traveling at \(v = 4.00 \text{ m/s}\). (a) What is the tension in String 1 at this instant? (b) What is the tension in String 2 at this instant? (c) Which string will break first if the combination is rotated faster and faster?