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AP Physics C Mechanics 6.2: Work Done by Torque

Describe work done on a rigid system by torque and relate angular displacement to rotational energy transfer about an axis.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

6.2.A—Describe the work done on a rigid system by a given torque or collection of torques question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Mech.3.
A uniform rod of length d has one end fixed to the central axis of a horizontal, frictionless circular platform of radius R=2 d. Fixed at the other end of the rod is an ideal spring of negligible mass to which a block is attached. The block is set in frictionless grooves so that it can only move along a radius of the platform, as shown in Figure 1 above. The equilibrium length of the spring is d / 2. Below is a table showing the mass of the block and the masses and rotational inertias of the rod and platform.

Table for Question 6.2.A—Describe the work done on a rigid system by a given torque or collection of torques question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics

A motor begins to slowly rotate the platform counterclockwise as viewed from above until the platform reaches a constant angular speed ω\omega. Under these conditions, the spring has stretched by an additional length d / 2, as shown in Figure 2.

Answer the following questions for the platform rotating at constant angular speed ω\omega. Express all algebraic answers in terms of m,d,ωm, d, \omega, and physical constants, as appropriate.

In order to keep the system rotating with constant angular speed ω\omega, is the motor doing positive work, negative work, or no work on the rotating system? Positive Negative No work
Justify your answer.

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