/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 3 An object is resting on a platfo... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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An object is resting on a platform that rotates at a constant speed. At first, it is a distance of half the platform’s radius from the center. If the object is moved to the edge of the platform, what happens to the centripetal force that it experiences? Assume the platform continues rotating at the same speed. (A) Increases by a factor of 4 (B) Increases by a factor of 2 (C) Decreases by a factor of 2 (D) Decreases by a factor of 4

Short Answer

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(C) Decreases by a factor of 2

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Centripetal Force formula

Centripetal force is given by the formula \(F = m \cdot v^{2} / r \), where \( F \) is the centripetal force, \( m \) is the mass of the object, \( v \) is the speed of the object and \( r \) is the radius or distance of the object from the center of the circle. In this problem, the mass and speed of the object remain constant, but the radius changes.
02

Calculating Centripetal Force at Different Radii

Initially, the object is a distance of half the platform’s radius from the center. Let's say the initial radius is \( r \), so the initial centripetal force \( F_{i} \) is \( F_{i} = m \cdot v^{2} / r \). Then the object is moved to the edge of the platform, which means the new radius is \( 2r \). So, the new centripetal force \( F_{f} \) is \( F_{f} = m \cdot v^{2} / 2r \).
03

Comparing the Initial and Final Centripetal Forces

To find out how much the centripetal force changes when the object moves from a distance of half the platform’s radius to the edge, we will divide the final centripetal force \( F_{f} \) by the initial centripetal force \( F_{i} \). This gives us \( F_{f} / F_{i} = (m \cdot v^{2} / 2r) / (m \cdot v^{2} / r) = 1/2 \), which means that the centripetal force decreases by a factor of 2.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Circular Motion
Circular motion is a fundamental concept in physics that deals with the movement of objects along a circular path. When an object moves in a circle, it continuously changes direction, even if its speed remains constant.
This constant change in direction requires a force to act on the object, known as centripetal force. Centripetal means 'center-seeking,' referring to the fact that this force always points towards the center of the circle.
It keeps the object moving along its curved path and prevents it from flying off tangentially.
  • Key Elements of Circular Motion:
    • Uniform circular motion occurs when an object travels around the circle at a constant speed.
    • The velocity of the object changes because its direction changes, even if speed remains unchanged.
    • The centripetal force doesn't change the object's speed, only its direction.
Understanding these concepts can help in solving problems related to objects moving in circles, as seen with the rotating platform problem.
Rotational Dynamics
Rotational dynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the effect of forces on rotational motion. Unlike linear motion, where objects move in straight lines, rotational dynamics focuses on the circular paths and the forces involved. An essential aspect of rotational dynamics in circular motion is understanding how forces like centripetal force act.
This force allows objects to follow a circular path by constantly changing their direction.
  • Key Points in Rotational Dynamics:
    • Torque is the rotational equivalent of force. It acts to change an object's rotational motion.
    • Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in rotation, much like mass in linear motion.
    • Centripetal force is crucial in keeping objects on their circular path without changing their speed.
    • By understanding rotational dynamics, students can better comprehend how forces and motion work together in systems involving rotation, like our platform scenario.
Physics Problem Solving
When solving physics problems, especially those involving circular motion or rotational dynamics, having a structured approach is beneficial.To solve the problem about the object on the rotating platform, begin by identifying known variables and relationships:
  • Recognize that mass and speed remain constant.
  • The centripetal force formula: \(F = m \cdot v^{2} / r\)
Next, relate changes to the known variables:
  • Identify initial and final conditions for variables like radius.
  • Apply the formula to determine how changes affect the force.
Finally, verify outcomes:
  • Check calculations to ensure they align with physical principles.
  • Compare outcomes to expected results, like the force decreasing when moving to the platform’s edge.
Effective problem solving in physics involves integrating these steps to understand the problem comprehensively and arrive at the correct solution.

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