Question:medium

An object of mass \(3\,\text{kg}\) is tied by a string of negligible mass to a ceiling and held such that the string is taut. The object is released suddenly such that the string remains taut. Its acceleration when released is \((g=10\,\text{m/s}^2)\):

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For a pendulum released from rest, the initial acceleration is tangential and equal to \[ g\sin\theta. \] There is no centripetal acceleration at the instant of release because initial speed is zero.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • \(3.5\,\text{m/s}^2\)
  • \(4.9\,\text{m/s}^2\)
  • \(7.5\,\text{m/s}^2\)
  • \(6.9\,\text{m/s}^2\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Describe the physical setup.
A 3 kg object is tied to a string and held at an angle of $30^\circ$ from the vertical (as shown by the figure's intent). When released, it swings like a pendulum.

Step 2: Identify the forces at the moment of release.
At the instant of release, the object is momentarily at rest.
Two forces act: weight $mg$ (downward) and string tension $T$ (along the string toward the pivot).

Step 3: Understand why only tangential acceleration matters at release.
The centripetal acceleration = $v^2/l$. Since velocity is zero at release, centripetal acceleration = 0.
So the total acceleration at that instant equals the tangential acceleration only.

Step 4: Resolve gravity along the tangential direction.
The tangential direction is perpendicular to the string. The component of gravity tangential to the circular path is:
\[ F_\text{tangential} = mg\sin\theta \] where $\theta = 30^\circ$ is the angle the string makes with the vertical.

Step 5: Apply Newton's second law in the tangential direction.
\[ ma_t = mg\sin 30^\circ \] \[ a_t = g\sin 30^\circ = 9.8 \times 0.5 = 4.9\,\text{m/s}^2 \]

Step 6: State the answer.
Using $g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2$ (standard value) gives exactly:
\[ \boxed{4.9\,\text{m/s}^2} \]
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