NEET Physics: motion in a vertical circle Practice Questions
7 free multiple-choice questions on motion in a vertical circle (Work, Energy, and Power) for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. The weight of a body moving in a vertical circle depends on:
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Correct answer: D — The mass of the body
The weight (gravitational force) depends on the mass and gravity. However, the effective force required to maintain the circular motion depends on the radius R, as the centripetal force is proportional to mass times the centripetal acceleration (mv²/R).
Q2. A body moves in a vertical circle of radius R. What is the minimum speed required at the lowest point of the circle to successfully complete the motion?
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Correct answer: C — √gR
For the body to successfully complete the vertical circle, the tension in the string/rope must remain non-negative throughout the motion. The minimum speed required at the lowest point corresponds to the condition where the tension is exactly zero at the highest point, which leads to the minimum speed condition vₘᵢₙ = √gR (derived from the conservation of mechanical energy).
Q3. If an object is moving in a vertical circle, the change in kinetic energy is due to:
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Correct answer: C — Work done by gravity
The change in kinetic energy is governed by the Work-Energy Theorem. In this case, the change in kinetic energy is due to the work done by non-conservative forces (like friction) or gravity (if we consider the change in height). Since the system is conservative (ignoring friction), the change in KE is related to the change in PE. Work done by gravity is the relevant concept in analyzing the energy change along the path.
Q4. Which of the following physical quantities is conserved for a body moving in a vertical circle, assuming no non-conservative forces are doing work?
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Correct answer: B — Mechanical Energy
If only conservative forces (gravity and tension) act, the total mechanical energy (Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy) of the system is conserved.
Q5. When a body is moving in a vertical circle, the force providing the necessary centripetal force is directed:
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Correct answer: C — Vertically downwards
The centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circle is always directed towards the center of the circle. In a vertical circle, this net inward force is provided by the combination of tension and the component of gravity, which acts vertically downwards.
Q6. An object moves along a circular path in a vertical plane. At the lowest point of the circle, the object has kinetic energy K and potential energy U. What is the total mechanical energy of the object at that point?
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Correct answer: C — K+U
Since mechanical energy is conserved in this system (assuming no non-conservative forces are doing work), the total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U) at any point, including the lowest point.
Q7. For an object moving in a vertical circle, the net force directed towards the center of the circle is always:
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Correct answer: A — A combination of mg and T
The net force directed towards the center of the circle is the centripetal force (mv²/R). This force is provided by the combination of the tension/normal force and the component of gravity. It is not simply mg or T alone, but the resultant force vector that dictates the circular motion.
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