IB Physics HL A 4 10 Hl Angular Momentum Conservation Topic Practice

Question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

A student models a rotating dancer using a system that consists of a vertical cylinder, a horizontal rod and two spheres.

The cylinder rotates from rest about the central vertical axis. A rod passes through the cylinder with a sphere on each side of the cylinder. Each sphere can move along the rod. Initially the spheres are close to the cylinder.

Figure for Question 1 — IB Physics HL

A horizontal force of 50 N is applied perpendicular to the rod at a distance of 0.50 m from the central axis. Another horizontal force of 40 N is applied in the opposite direction at a distance of 0.20 m from the central axis. Air resistance is negligible.

Figure for Question 1 — IB Physics HL

Question (a)

(a)

When the system has reached its maximum angular speed, the two forces are removed. The spheres now move outward, away from the central axis.

Figure for Question (a) — IB Physics HL
[ 4 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Outline why the angular speed ω\omega decreases when the spheres move outward.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

When the spheres move outward, the angular speed decreases from 20rads120 \mathrm{rad} \mathrm{s}^{-1} to 12rads112 \mathrm{rads}^{-1}. Calculate the percentage change in rotational kinetic energy that occurs when the spheres move outward.

[ 2 ]
All question bank results loaded