A piece of stone attached to one end of string is whirled round in a horizontal circle. When the string is suddenly cut, the stone will?

A. move towards the centre of the circle
B. stop moving immediately
C. move along a circular path of smaller radius
D. fly off in a direction tangential to the circular path
E. acquire greater centripetal force

Correct Answer:

Option D – fly off in a direction tangential to the circular path