The formula $T_2 = \frac{1}{2}m_2 \dot{r}^2$ represents the kinetic energy ($T_2$) of mass $m_2$ which is moving vertically beneath the hole.

Here is the explanation of the expression:

  1. General Kinetic Energy Formula: The basic formula for kinetic energy is $T = \frac{1}{2}m v^2$ Here, $m = m_2$.

  2. Velocity of $m_2$ ($v_2$):

  3. Final Expression: Substituting the velocity into the kinetic energy formula:

    $$ T_2 = \frac{1}{2}m_2 v_2^2 = \frac{1}{2}m_2 \dot{r}^2 $$

In summary, $m_2$ can only move up or down, and its speed is locked to the rate at which the string length $r$ changes on the horizontal plane. It has no angular motion ($\dot{\varphi}$) because it does not rotate about the $z$-axis.

Brief audio

What is the kinetic energy of mass moving vertically-L.mp4