The correct option is **C. tangential to the circular path**. ### Detailed Explanation: When an object is moving in a circular path, it is constantly changing direction due to the centripetal force acting towards the center of the circle. This force is provided by the tension in the string when the stone is being whirled around. The stone has a certain velocity that is directed along the circular path at any given point. 1. **Understanding Circular Motion**: - In circular motion, an object moves along a curved path. The direction of the velocity vector of the stone is always tangent to the circle at the point where the stone is located. This means that if you were to draw a line at that point, it would be perpendicular to the radius of the circle at that point. 2. **What Happens When the String Cuts**: - When the string suddenly cuts, the centripetal force that was keeping the stone in circular motion is removed. The stone is no longer being pulled towards the center of the circle. According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object in motion will continue in its state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. - Since there is no longer any force acting on the stone (the tension in the string is gone), it will continue to move in the direction it was going at the moment the string broke. This direction is tangential to the circular path. 3. **Visualizing the Motion**: - Imagine the stone is at point A on a circular path. If the string breaks at that point, the stone will move straight out from point A in the direction that is tangent to the circle at that point. This is because, at that instant, the stone has a velocity vector that is directed along the tangent line to the circle. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: - **A. Perpendicular to the circular path**: - This option suggests that the stone would fly off at a right angle to the circular path. However, this is not correct because the stone's motion is not influenced by any force that would cause it to move in that direction. The stone will not move perpendicular to the path; it will move in the direction it was traveling at the moment the string broke. - **B. Parallel to the circular path**: - This option implies that the stone would continue to move along the circular path. This is incorrect because, once the string is cut, there is no force to keep the stone moving in a circular path. It will not continue to follow the circular trajectory but will instead move straight in the direction of its velocity vector. - **D. Towards the center of the circle**: - This option suggests that the stone would move inward towards the center of the circle. This is incorrect because, without the centripetal force (the tension in the string), there is nothing to pull the stone towards the center. The stone will not move inward; it will move away from the center in a straight line. ### Summary of Key Points: - When the string is cut, the stone will move in a straight line in the direction it was traveling at that moment. - The direction of motion is tangential to the circular path at the point where the string broke. - Newton's First Law states that an object in motion will remain in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. - The stone will not move towards the center, perpendicular, or parallel to the circular path after the string is cut. This understanding of circular motion and the effects of forces is crucial for solving problems related to dynamics and motion in physics.