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AP Physics C Mechanics Conservation of Angular Momentum FRQ

Conservation of Angular Momentum AP  Physics C Mechanics FRQ – Exam Style Questions etc.

Conservation of Angular Momentum AP  Physics C Mechanics FRQ

Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

Weightage : 10-15%

AP Physics C Mechanics Exam Style Questions – All Topics

Question

A large circular disk of mass m and radius R is initially stationary on a horizontal icy surface. A person of mass m/2 stands on the edge of the disk. Without slipping on the disk, the person throws a large stone of mass m/20 horizontally at initial speed v0 from a height h above the ice in a radial direction, as shown in the figures above. The coefficient of friction between the disk and the ice is m . All velocities are measured relative to the ground. The time it takes to throw the stone is negligible. Express all algebraic answers in terms of m, R, v0 , h, m , and
fundamental constants, as appropriate.
(a) Derive an expression for the length of time it will take the stone to strike the ice.
(b) Assuming that the disk is free to slide on the ice, derive an expression for the speed of the disk and person immediately after the stone is thrown.
(c) Derive an expression for the time it will take the disk to stop sliding.

The person now stands on a similar disk of mass m and radius R that has a fixed pole through its center so that it can only rotate on the ice. The person throws the same stone horizontally in a tangential direction at initial speed v0 , as shown in the figure above. The rotational inertia of the disk is  mR2/2 .
(d) Derive an expression for the angular speed ω of the disk immediately after the stone is thrown.
(e) The person now stands on the disk at rest R/2 from the center of the disk. The person now throws the stone horizontally with a speed v0 in the same direction as in part (d). Is the angular speed of the disk immediately after throwing the stone from this new position greater than, less than, or equal to the angular speed found in part (d) ?
____ Greater than ____ Less than ____ Equal to
Justify your answer.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

(a)

\(\Delta X = V_{0}t + \frac{1}{2}at^{2}\)

\(h = 0 + \frac{1}{2}gt^{2}\)

\(\frac{2h}{g}= t^{2}\)

\(t = \sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}\)

(b)

Pi = P  (conservation A momentum)

\(0 = \frac{M}{20}(v_{0})+\left ( m+\frac{m}{2} \right )s\)

\(0 = \frac{M}{20}(v_{0})+\frac{3m}{2}(s)\)

\(\frac{1}{20}(v_{0})=\frac{3}{2}(s)\)

\(\frac{1}{30}(v_{0})=s\)                                                 Speed of disk and person = \(\frac{1}{30}v_{0}\)

(c)

Fnet = Ff

\(\left ( m + \frac{m}{2} \right )a = \mu \left ( m + \frac{m}{2} \right )g\)

a = μg

vf = vi – at

\(0 = \frac{1}{30}v_{0}- \mu gt\)

\(\mu gt = \frac{1}{30}v_{0}\)

\(t = \frac{\mu _{0}}{30\mu g}\)

(d)

Li = L                         v = wR                         \(w = \frac{v_{0}}{R}\)

\(0 = \left ( \frac{m}{20} \right )R^{2}w_{1}+\frac{1}{2}mR^{2}w_{2}+\left ( \frac{m}{2} \right )R^{2}w_{2}\)

\(0 = \left ( \frac{m}{20} \right )R^{2}\left ( \frac{v_{0}}{R} \right )+mR^{2}w_{2}\)

\(0 = \frac{mv_{0}R}{20}+mR^{2}w_{2}\)

\(\frac{v_{0}R}{20}= R^{2}w\)

\(w = \frac{v_{0}}{20R}\)

(e)

√    Less than

\(0 = \left ( \frac{m}{20} \right )\left ( \frac{R}{2} \right )^{2}\left ( \frac{v_{0}}{R} \right )+ \frac{1}{2}mR^{2}w_{2}+\left ( \frac{m}{2} \right )\left ( \frac{R}{2} \right )^{2}w_{2}\)

\(0 = \left ( \frac{m}{20} \right )\left ( \frac{R^{2}}{4} \right )\left ( \frac{v_{0}}{R} \right )+ \frac{1}{2}mR^{2}w_{2}+\frac{1}{4}mR^{2}w_{2}\)

\(0 = \frac{mRv_{0}}{80}+\frac{3}{4}mR^{2}w_{2}\)

\(\frac{3}{4}R^{2}w_{2}=\frac{Rv_{0}}{80}\)

\(Rw_{2}=\frac{Rv_{0}}{60}\)

\(w=\frac{Rv_{0}}{60R}\)

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