AP Physics C: Mechanics 5.6 A Describe the Conditions Under Which a Systems Angular Velocity Changes Questions

Relate changes in angular velocity to net torque and rotational inertia using Newton’s second law in rotational form for a rigid system.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • determine angular-acceleration magnitude and direction from signed net torque divided by inertia
  • calculate torque from a tangential force and use tau = I alpha for a wheel or rigid body
  • couple translational and rotational Newton's-law equations for pulleys or falling disks
  • combine static friction, tau = I alpha and a = alpha R for rolling on an incline
  • write a differential equation for angular displacement when gravitational or spring torque varies

AP Physics C: Mechanics 5.6 A Describe the Conditions Under Which a Systems Angular Velocity Changes Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

A uniform disk and ring, each of mass M and radius R, roll without slipping along a horizontal surface, as shown in Figure 1. The outer edges of the disk and ring are made of the same material. The center of mass of the disk and the center of mass of the ring each initially move with the same constant speed v.

The disk and the ring then smoothly transition to a ramp that is inclined at an angle θ\theta above the horizontal. Both the disk and the ring continue to roll without slipping as they move up the ramp, as shown in Figure 2.

The ring travels a greater distance along the ramp than the disk travels before each momentarily comes to rest.

Figure 1

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 2

Question (a)

(a)

While the disk and the ring are rolling on the ramp without slipping, the magnitudes of the static frictional force exerted on the disk and on the ring by the ramp are fDf_{\mathrm{D}} and fRf_{\mathrm{R}}, respectively.

Indicate whether fDf_{\mathrm{D}} is greater than, less than, or equal to fRf_{\mathrm{R}} by writing one of the following.

- fD>fRf_{\mathrm{D}}>f_{\mathrm{R}}

- fD<fRf_{\mathrm{D}}<f_{\mathrm{R}}

- fD=fRf_{\mathrm{D}}=f_{\mathrm{R}} Justify your answer using qualitative reasoning beyond referencing equations.

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Question (b)

(b)

A cylinder has mass M, radius R, and rotational inertia I about its central axis. The cylinder rolls without slipping up a ramp that is inclined at an angle θ\theta above the horizontal.

Derive an expression for the magnitude of the static frictional force f exerted on the cylinder by the ramp. Express your answer in terms of M,R,I,θM, R, I, \theta, and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information.

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