A rock attached to a string moves clockwise in uniform circular motion. In which direction from point \(A\) is the rock thrown off when the string is cut? a) centrifugal b) normal c) gravity d) tension

First, we need to identify the forces present when the rock is in uniform circular motion. There are two main forces acting on the rock: 1. Tension force, provided by the string pulling the rock inwards. 2. Centripetal force, needed to keep the rock in a circular path. Additionally, gravity acts on the rock, pulling it downwards.

When the string is cut, the tension force acting on the rock disappears. However, the rock still has a tangential velocity at that instant, which means it will continue to move in a direction tangent to the circular path. This tangential velocity is caused by the centripetal force, which was keeping the rock in a circular motion.

To find the direction in which the rock is thrown off, we need to identify the direction of the tangent to the circular path at point \(A\). Since the rock is moving clockwise in the circular path, the tangent at this point will be in a direction perpendicular to the radius vector and to the right.

Now, we should compare the tangent direction with the given options: a) Centrifugal force does not exist; it is a fictitious outward force, so this option can be discarded. b) Normal force is the force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object. There is no surface involved in this case, so this option is not correct. c) Gravity acts downwards and has no direct influence on the rock's tangent direction, so this option is also incorrect. d) Tension force was acting inwards and has disappeared when the string was cut, so this option is not correct. None of the given options match the direction of the tangent. This seems to be a mistake in the given options. The correct answer should be: the rock is thrown off in a direction tangent to the circular path at point \(A\).