JEE Physics 2026 Question with Solution

Given: Bead P slides on a frictionless semicircular string, while bead Q is ejected. We need to compare the times $t_P$ and $t_Q$.

Find: The correct relation between $t_P$ and $t_Q$.

From the extracted solution: bead Q moves with constant speed $v$.

Bead P accelerates due to gravity along the curved path, so its average speed becomes greater than $v$.

Although bead P travels along a longer path, the increase in speed makes its travel time smaller.

Therefore, $t_P < t_Q$. The correct option is D.