Circular and Rotational Motion - AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
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A 1.6kg ball is attached to a 1.8m string and is swinging in circular motion horizontally at the string's full length. If the string can withstand a tension force of 87N, what is the maximum speed the ball can travel without the string breaking?
A 1.6kg ball is attached to a 1.8m string and is swinging in circular motion horizontally at the string's full length. If the string can withstand a tension force of 87N, what is the maximum speed the ball can travel without the string breaking?
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The ball is experiencing centripetal force so that it can travel in a circular path. This centripetal force is written as the equation below.
Remember that centripetal acceleration is given by the following equation.
Since the centripetal force is coming from the tension of the string, set the tension force equal to the centripetal force.
Since we're trying to find the speed of the ball, we solve for v.
We know the following information from the question.
We can use this information in our equation to solve for the speed of the ball.
The ball is experiencing centripetal force so that it can travel in a circular path. This centripetal force is written as the equation below.
Remember that centripetal acceleration is given by the following equation.
Since the centripetal force is coming from the tension of the string, set the tension force equal to the centripetal force.
Since we're trying to find the speed of the ball, we solve for v.
We know the following information from the question.
We can use this information in our equation to solve for the speed of the ball.
In uniform circular motion, the net force is always directed .
In uniform circular motion, the net force is always directed .
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The correct answer is "toward the center of the circle." Newton's second law tells us that the direction of the net force will be the same as the direction of the acceleration of the object.
In uniform circular motion, the object accelerates towards the center of the circle (centripetal acceleration); the net force acts in the same direction.
The correct answer is "toward the center of the circle." Newton's second law tells us that the direction of the net force will be the same as the direction of the acceleration of the object.
In uniform circular motion, the object accelerates towards the center of the circle (centripetal acceleration); the net force acts in the same direction.
A car moves around a circular path of radius 100m at a velocity of 
. What is the coefficient of friction between the car and the road?
A car moves around a circular path of radius 100m at a velocity of
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The force of friction is what keeps the car in circular motion, preventing it from flying off the track. In other words, the frictional force will be equal to the centripetal force.
We can cancel mass from either side of the equation and rearrange to solve for the coefficient of friction:
We can use our given values to solve:
The force of friction is what keeps the car in circular motion, preventing it from flying off the track. In other words, the frictional force will be equal to the centripetal force.
We can cancel mass from either side of the equation and rearrange to solve for the coefficient of friction:
We can use our given values to solve:
An object of mass 10kg undergoes uniform circular motion with a constant velocity of 
at a radius of 10m. How long does it take for the object to make one full revolution?
An object of mass 10kg undergoes uniform circular motion with a constant velocity of
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The time for one full revolution can be calculated simply by manipulating the defintion of velocity, where the distance is just the circumference of the circlular path. The time it takes is modeled by the following equation:
Use the given radius and velocity to solve for the time per revolution:
The time for one full revolution can be calculated simply by manipulating the defintion of velocity, where the distance is just the circumference of the circlular path. The time it takes is modeled by the following equation:
Use the given radius and velocity to solve for the time per revolution:
A ball of mass 
is tied to a rope and moves along a horizontal circular path of radius 
as shown in the diagram (view from above). The maximum tension the rope can stand before breaking is given by 
. Which of the following represents the ball's linear velocity given that the rope does not break?
A ball of mass
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This is a centripetal force problem. In this case the tension on the rope is the centripetal force that keeps the ball moving on a circle.
If we want for the rope not to break, then the tension should never exceed 
.
Now we just solve for velocity:
This is a centripetal force problem. In this case the tension on the rope is the centripetal force that keeps the ball moving on a circle.
If we want for the rope not to break, then the tension should never exceed
Now we just solve for velocity:
A mechanic is using a wrench to loosen and tighten screws on an engine block and wants to increase the amount of torque he puts on the screws to adjust them more easily. Which of the following steps will not help him to do so?
A mechanic is using a wrench to loosen and tighten screws on an engine block and wants to increase the amount of torque he puts on the screws to adjust them more easily. Which of the following steps will not help him to do so?
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Remember the torque equation:
Exerting force on the wrench at an angle less perpendicular to the wrench will reduce 
and thus reduce the torque.
The other answer options will all increase the torque being applied, making the twisting motion easier.
Remember the torque equation:
Exerting force on the wrench at an angle less perpendicular to the wrench will reduce
The other answer options will all increase the torque being applied, making the twisting motion easier.
Doing which of the following would allow you to find the center of mass of an object?
Doing which of the following would allow you to find the center of mass of an object?
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Center of mass can be found by spinning an object. It will naturally spin around its center of mass, due to the concept of even distribution of mass in relation to the center of mass. Shape and mass are important factors in this property, but the most improtant factor is the mass distribution.
Center of mass can be found by spinning an object. It will naturally spin around its center of mass, due to the concept of even distribution of mass in relation to the center of mass. Shape and mass are important factors in this property, but the most improtant factor is the mass distribution.
If two masses, 
and 
are placed on a seesaw of length 
, where must the fulcrum be placed such that the seesaw remains level?
If two masses,
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This question asks us to find the center of mass for this system. We know that the center of mass resides a distance 
from the first mass such that:
In this case:
Plug in known values and solve.
This question asks us to find the center of mass for this system. We know that the center of mass resides a distance
In this case:
Plug in known values and solve.
If the fulcrum of a balanced scale is shifted to the left, what type of adjustment must be made to rebalance the scale?
If the fulcrum of a balanced scale is shifted to the left, what type of adjustment must be made to rebalance the scale?
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Changing the position of the fulcrum by moving it to the left means the center of mass will be to the right of the new position. Therefore, the scale will tip right. Adding more mass to the left end will rebalance the scale. None of the other options make sense. Adding more mass to the new fulcrum position will not change the balance of the scale because that mass is a negligible distance from the new fulcrum position and does nothing to change the masses on either side.
Changing the position of the fulcrum by moving it to the left means the center of mass will be to the right of the new position. Therefore, the scale will tip right. Adding more mass to the left end will rebalance the scale. None of the other options make sense. Adding more mass to the new fulcrum position will not change the balance of the scale because that mass is a negligible distance from the new fulcrum position and does nothing to change the masses on either side.
Three 
point masses are at the points 
, 
and
and a 
point mass is at the point 
.
How far from the origin is the center of mass of the system?
Three
How far from the origin is the center of mass of the system?
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To find the center of mass, we have to take the weighted average of the x coordinates and the y coordinates.
Measures: 
Measures
First, we take the weighted measurement of the x-axis:
We can see that the result of the x-axis contribution is equal to 
.
Now, let's look at the y-axis contribution:
This equals to 
Now that we have the x and y components, we take the root of squares to get the final answer:
This will give us 
To find the center of mass, we have to take the weighted average of the x coordinates and the y coordinates.
First, we take the weighted measurement of the x-axis:
We can see that the result of the x-axis contribution is equal to
Now, let's look at the y-axis contribution:
This equals to
Now that we have the x and y components, we take the root of squares to get the final answer:
This will give us
A mouse sits at the edge of a 
diameter record, rotating on a turntable at fifteen revolutions per minute. If the mouse walks straight inwards to a point 
from the center, what will be its new angular velocity? Assume the mass of the record is negligible.
A mouse sits at the edge of a
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Relevant equations:
Write an expression for the initial angular momentum.
Write an expression for the final angular momentum.
Apply conservation of angular momentum, setting these two expressions equal to one another.
Solve for the final angular velocity.
Relevant equations:
Write an expression for the initial angular momentum.
Write an expression for the final angular momentum.
Apply conservation of angular momentum, setting these two expressions equal to one another.
Solve for the final angular velocity.
An ice skater begins to spin, starting with his arms spread out as far as possible, parallel to the ice. He pulls his arms into his body, and then raises them completely vertically towards the ceiling. As the skater pulls his arms inward, his angular velocity will , and as he raises his arms vertically his angular velocity will .
An ice skater begins to spin, starting with his arms spread out as far as possible, parallel to the ice. He pulls his arms into his body, and then raises them completely vertically towards the ceiling. As the skater pulls his arms inward, his angular velocity will , and as he raises his arms vertically his angular velocity will .
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Through conservation of angular momentum, as moment of inertia decreases, the angular velocity increases. Moment of inertia is dependent on the distribution of the spinning body's mass away from the center of mass—as the skater brings his arms in, he lowers his moment of inertia, thus increasing his angular velocity. If he raises his arms completely vertically from this point, it does not change the radius of mass distributions (from the center of his body), thus maintaining his angular velocity.
Through conservation of angular momentum, as moment of inertia decreases, the angular velocity increases. Moment of inertia is dependent on the distribution of the spinning body's mass away from the center of mass—as the skater brings his arms in, he lowers his moment of inertia, thus increasing his angular velocity. If he raises his arms completely vertically from this point, it does not change the radius of mass distributions (from the center of his body), thus maintaining his angular velocity.
Sarah spins a ball of mass 
attached to a string of length 
around her head with a velocity 
. If the ball splits in half, losing exactly one-half of its mass instantaneously, what is its new velocity, 
?
Sarah spins a ball of mass
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By the conservation of angular momentum, the angular momentum 
, is equal to the product of the mass, angular velocity, and radius (or length of the rope in this case). The equation relating these terms is:
Here, 
is the initial mass, 
is the initial angular velocity, and 
is the length of the rope, which remains constant. Angular momentum must be conserved, thus:
Substitute.
We are given that 
and 
is the final velocity. Plug in and solve.
By the conservation of angular momentum, the angular momentum
Here,
Substitute.
We are given that
A child is standing at the center of a frictionless, rotating platform. Both the child and the platform are rotating with and initial angular velocity, 
. The child begins to walk slowly toward the edge of the platform. Which quantity will decrease as the child walks?
A child is standing at the center of a frictionless, rotating platform. Both the child and the platform are rotating with and initial angular velocity,
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Since the platform is frictionless, as the child walks, angular momentum is conserved. However, since there is an 
term in the kinetic energy expression, as 
decreased due to the increase of inertia, it affects the energy more, and it decreases. From the reference frame of the disk, the child feels an outward directed force, and thus is doing negative work. This is the same principle that allows ice skaters to increase their spinning speed.
Since the platform is frictionless, as the child walks, angular momentum is conserved. However, since there is an
What is the rotational equivalent of mass?
What is the rotational equivalent of mass?
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The correct answer is moment of inertia. For linear equations, mass is what resists force and causes lower linear accelerations. Similarly, in rotational equations, moment of inertia resists torque and causes lower angular accelerations.
The correct answer is moment of inertia. For linear equations, mass is what resists force and causes lower linear accelerations. Similarly, in rotational equations, moment of inertia resists torque and causes lower angular accelerations.
In rotational kinematics equations, what quantity is analogous to force in linear kinematics equations?
In rotational kinematics equations, what quantity is analogous to force in linear kinematics equations?
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Just as force causes linear acceleration, torque causes angular acceleration. This can be seen most in the linear-rotational comparison of Newton's second law:
Just as force causes linear acceleration, torque causes angular acceleration. This can be seen most in the linear-rotational comparison of Newton's second law:
A boot is put in a 
stick which is attached to a rotor. The rotor turns with an angular velocity of 
. What is the linear velocity of the boot?
A boot is put in a
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Linear (tangential) velocity, 
is given by the following equation:
Here, 
is the angular velocity in radians per second and 
is the radius in meters.
Solve.
Linear (tangential) velocity,
Here,
Solve.
A particle is moving at constant speed in a straight line past a fixed point in space, c. How does the angular momentum of the particle about the fixed point in space change as the particle moves from point a to point b?
A particle is moving at constant speed in a straight line past a fixed point in space, c. How does the angular momentum of the particle about the fixed point in space change as the particle moves from point a to point b?
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The angular momentum of a particle about a fixed axis is 
. As the particle draws nearer the fixed axis, both 
and 
change. However, the product 
remains constant. If you imagine a triangle connecting the three points, the product 
represents the 
"of closest approach", labeled "
" in the diagram.
The angular momentum of a particle about a fixed axis is
Two solid cylinderical disks have equal radii. The first disk is spinning clockwise at 
and the second disk is spinning counterclockwise at 
. The second disk has a mass three times larger than the first. If both spinning disks are combined to form one disk, they end up rotating at the same angular velocity and same direction. Find this angular velocity after combination.
Two solid cylinderical disks have equal radii. The first disk is spinning clockwise at
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For the first disk, we have the information below.
For the second disk, we have the information below.
(The minus sign indicates counterclockwise while the positive indicates clockwise.)
To do this problem, we use conservation of angular momentum. Before the disks are put in contact, the initial total angular momentum is given by the equation below.
It is just the sum of the angular momentums of each disk. When the disks are combined together, then final angular momentum can be found by the following equation.
Set this equal to the initial angular momentum.
Simplify and solve for 
.
For the first disk, we have the information below.
For the second disk, we have the information below.
(The minus sign indicates counterclockwise while the positive indicates clockwise.)
To do this problem, we use conservation of angular momentum. Before the disks are put in contact, the initial total angular momentum is given by the equation below.
It is just the sum of the angular momentums of each disk. When the disks are combined together, then final angular momentum can be found by the following equation.
Set this equal to the initial angular momentum.
Simplify and solve for
A piece of space debris is travelling in an elliptical orbit around a planet. At its closest point to the planet, the debris is travelling at 
. When the debris is 
from the planet, it travels at 
. How close does the debris get to the planet in its orbit?
A piece of space debris is travelling in an elliptical orbit around a planet. At its closest point to the planet, the debris is travelling at
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The equation for conservation of angular momentum is:
This means that the angular momentum of the object at the two points in its orbit must be the same. Since the mass of the debris does not change, this gives us an equality of the product of the velocity and distance of the debris at any two points of its orbit:
Plug in known values.
There is disagreement between units; the velocities are given in both 
and 
. Glance down at the answer choices and note that they are all lengths in kilometers.
Solve for 
:
The equation for conservation of angular momentum is:
This means that the angular momentum of the object at the two points in its orbit must be the same. Since the mass of the debris does not change, this gives us an equality of the product of the velocity and distance of the debris at any two points of its orbit:
Plug in known values.
There is disagreement between units; the velocities are given in both
Solve for