Module 8 Physics Problems

Lesson 1 Describing 6. The outer edge of a truck tire that has a

radius of 45 cm has a velocity of 23 m/s.
Rotational Motion What is the angular velocity of the tire in
rad/s? (Level 1)
Mastering Concepts
1. A bicycle wheel rotates at a constant 25 v = rω,
rev/min. Is its angular velocity decreasing, v
ω = = 23 m/s = 51 rad/s
increasing, or constant? r 0.45 m
It is constant.
7. A steering wheel is rotated through 128°. Its
2. A toy rotates at a constant 5 rev/min. Is its radius is 22 cm. How far would a point on
angular acceleration positive, negative, or the steering wheel’s edge move? (Level 1)
zero?
It is zero.

3. Do all parts of Earth rotate at the same rate?

Explain.
Yes, because all parts of a rigid body
rotate at the same rate.

4. A unicycle wheel rotates at a constant

14 rev/min. Is the total acceleration of a d = rθ
point on the tire inward, outward, tangential, 2π rad 
or zero? = ( 0.22 m )( 128° )  =
 0.49 m
 360° 
It is inward (centripetal).
8. Propeller A propeller spins at
Mastering Problems 1880 rev/min. (Level 1)
5. On a test stand a bicycle wheel is being a. What is its angular velocity in rad
rotated about its axle so that a point on
 rev   2π rad   min 
the edge moves through 0.210 m. The ω =  1880   
radius of the wheel is 0.350 m. Through  min   360°   60 s 
what angle (in radians) is the wheel rotated? = 197 rad/s
(Level 1)
b. What is the angular displacement of the
propeller in 2.50 s?
θ = ωt
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= (197 rad/s)(2.50 s)
= 492 rad

9. The propeller in the previous problem

slows from 475 rev/min to 187 rev/min in
4.00 s. What is its angular acceleration?
(Level 1)
d = rθ 𝚫𝚫𝝎𝝎 𝝎𝝎f − 𝝎𝝎i
𝜶𝜶 = =
d 𝚫𝚫t 𝚫𝚫t
θ = (187 rev/min − 475 rev/min)
r =
0.210 m 4.00 s
So, = 2𝝅𝝅 rad 1 min
0.350 m � �� �
rev 60 s
= 0.600 rad = −7.54 rad/s2

Inspire Physics 1 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

10. An automobile wheel rotates at 2.50 rad/s. c. Find the maximum centripetal
How fast does a point 7.00 cm from the acceleration in terms of g for the
center travel? (Level 1) washing machine in the previous
problem. (Level 2)
 1g 
ac = ω 2 r  
 9.8 N/kg 
2
  2π rad   1 min  
=  542 rev/min   
  rev   60 s  

 0.43 m   1g 
  
 2   9.8 N/kg 
= 71g
v = rω
= (7.00 cm)(2.50 rad/s) 12 . A laboratory ultracentrifuge is designed to
produce a centripetal acceleration of
= 17.5 cm/s
0.35×106 g at a distance of 2.50 cm from
the axis. What angular velocity in rev/min is
11. Washing Machine A washing machine’s
required? (Level 3)
two spin cycles are 328 rev/min and
542 rev/min. The diameter of the drum ac = ω 2 r
is 0.43 m. (Level 2)
ac
a. What is the ratio of the centripetal So, ω =
r
accelerations for the fast and slow spin
cycles? Recall that
=
( 0.35 × 10 ) ( 9.8 N/kg) 
6
rev 
 
 2π rad 
2
v 0.025 m
ac = and v = rw.
r
 60 s 
 
( r ω fast )
2
afast  1 min 
=
aslow ( r ωslow
2
) = 1.1× 105 rev/min

( 542 rev/min)
2

=
( 328 rev/min)
2 Lesson 2 Rotational
= 2.73
Dynamics
Mastering Concepts
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

b. What is the ratio of the linear velocity of

an object at the surface of the drum for 13 . Think about some possible rotations of your
the fast and slow spin cycles? textbook. Are the moments of inertia about
these three axes the same or different?
v fast ω r
= fast Explain.
v slow ω slow r
They are all different. The one with the
ω fast most mass, farthest from the axis, has
=
ω slow the greatest moment of inertia.
542 rev/min
= 14 . An auto repair manual specifies the torque
328 rev/min needed to tighten bolts on an engine. Why
= 1.65 does it not mention force?
An angular acceleration must be
produced to tighten a bolt. Different
torques can be exerted with wrenches
of different lengths.

Inspire Physics 2 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

15 . Ranking Task Rank the torques on the five 18. A bicycle wheel with a radius of 38 cm is
doors shown from least to greatest. Note given an angular acceleration of 2.67 rad/s2
that the magnitude of all the forces is the by applying a force of 0.35 N on the edge
same. of the wheel. What is the wheel’s moment
of inertia? (Level 2)
𝝉𝝉
𝜶𝜶 =
I
𝝉𝝉 Fr sin 𝜽𝜽
I= =
𝜶𝜶 𝜶𝜶
(0.35 N)(0.38 m)(sin 90.0°)
=
2.67 rad/s2
= 0.050 kg⋅m2

Recall that τ = Fr sin θ. Thus 19. Toy Top A toy top consists of a rod with a
0=E<D<C<B<A diameter of 8.0-mm and a disk of mass
0.0125 kg and a diameter of 3.5 cm. The
moment of inertia of the rod can be
Mastering Problems neglected. The top is spun by wrapping a
16 . Wrench A bolt is to be tightened with a
string around the rod and pulling it with a
torque of 8.0 N∙m. If you have a wrench that
velocity that increases from zero to 3.0 m/s
is 0.35 m long, what is the least amount of
over 0.50 s. (Level 3)
force you must exert? (Level 1)
a. What is the resulting angular velocity of
τ = Fr sin θ
the top?
τ
so F = Vf 3.0 m/s
r sin θ 𝝎𝝎f = =
rrod � 1 � (0.0080 m)
For the least possible force, the angle is 2
90.0°, then
= 7.5×102 rad/s
8.0 N⋅m
F= = 23 N
(0.35 m)(sin 90.0°) b. What force was exerted on the string?

17. What is the torque on a bolt produced by a= τ Fr = rod sin θ andτ αI

15-N force exerted perpendicular to a Thus, Frrod sin θ = α I
wrench that is 25 cm long? (Level 1)
αI
F=
rrod sin θ
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

 ∆ω   1 

∆t   2  disk2
mr
= 
rrod sin θ
∆ω mrdisk 2
=
2∆trrod sin θ
( ω f − ωi ) mrdisk2
=
2∆trrod sin θ
τ = Fr sin θ
( 7.5 × 10 2
rad/s − 0.0 rad/s )
= ( 15 N)( 0.25 m )( sin 90.0° ) 2

( 0.0125 kg ) 
0.035 m 
= 3.8 N·m 
=  2 
 0.0080 m 
( 2 )( 0.50 s )   ( sin 90.0° )
 2 
= 0.72 N

Inspire Physics 3 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

20. A toy consisting of two balls, each 0.45 kg, 24. Why does a gymnast appear to be floating
at the ends of a 0.46-m-long, thin, on air when she raises her arms above her
lightweight rod shown in the diagram. Find head in a leap?
the moment of inertia of the toy. The She moves her center of mass closer to
moment of inertia is to be found about the her head.
center of the rod. (Level 1)
25. Why is a vehicle with wheels that have a
large diameter more likely to roll over than
a vehicle with wheels that have a smaller
diameter?
The center of mass of the vehicle with
the larger wheels is located at a higher
I = mr2 point. Thus it does not have to be tilted
= (0.45 kg)(0.23 m)2 very far before it rolls over.
+ (0.45 kg)(0.23 m)2
= 0.048 kg·m2 Mastering Problems
26. A 12.5-kg board, 4.00 m long, is being held
Lesson 3 Equilibrium up on one end by Ahmed. He calls for help
in lifting the board, and Judi responds.
Mastering Concepts (Level 1)
21. To balance a car’s wheel, it is placed on a
a. What is the least force that Judi could
vertical shaft and weights are added to
exert to lift the board to the horizontal
make the wheel horizontal. Why is this
position? What part of the board should
equivalent to moving the center of mass
she lift to exert this force?
until it is at the center of the wheel?)
At the opposite end, she will only lift
When the wheel is balanced so it does
half the mass.
not tilt (rotate) in any direction, then
there is no net torque on it. This means Fleast = mg = ½(12.5 kg)(9.8 N/kg)
that the center of mass is at the pivot = 61 N
point.
b. What is the greatest force that Judi
22. A stunt driver maneuvers a monster truck could exert to lift the board to the
so that it is traveling on only two wheels. horizontal position? What part of the
Where is the center of mass of the truck board should she lift to exert this force?
It is directly above the line between the At the board’s center of mass
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

points where the two wheels are (middle), she will lift the entire mass.
touching the ground. There is no net Fgreatest = mg = (12.5 kg)(9.8 N/kg)
torque on the truck, so it is momentarily = 120 N
stable.
27. A car’s specifications state that its weight
23. Suppose you stand flat-footed, then you distribution is 53 percent on the front tires
rise and balance on tiptoe. If you stand with and 47 percent on the rear tires. The wheel
your toes touching a wall, you cannot base is 2.46 m. Where is the car’s center of
balance on tiptoe. Explain. mass? (Level 3)
Your center of mass must be above the Let the car’s center of mass be x from
point of support. But your center of the front and its weight be Fg.
mass is roughly in the center of your τfront = τrear
body. Thus, while you are on your toes,
Ffrontrfront = Frearrrear
about half of your body must be in front
(0.53 Fg)x = (0.47 Fg)(2.46 m − x)
of your toes, and half must be behind. If
your toes are against the wall, no part of x = 1.16 m
your body can be in front of your toes.

Inspire Physics 4 Physics Problems

 28. Two people are holding up the ends of a 4.25-kg wooden board that is 1.75 m long. A 6.00-kg
box sits on the board, 0.50 m from one end as shown. What forces do the two people exert?
(Level 2)

τ net = τ left + τ board + τ box + τ right = 0

Choose pivot point about left end of board
0 − mboard grboard − mbox grbox + Fright rright =
0
mboard grboard + mbox grbox
Fright =
rright
(4.25 kg)(9.8 N/kg)(0.8525 m) + (6.00 kg)(9.8 N/kg)(1.25 m)
=
1.75 m
= 62 N upward
Fnet = Fleft − Fboard − Fbox + Fright = 0
Fleft = Fboard + Fbox − Fright
= (4.25 kg)(9.8 N/kg) + (6.00 kg)(9.8 N/kg) − 62.3 N
= 38 N upward

Applying Concepts 31. Bicycle Wheels Three bicycle wheels have

masses that are distributed in three
29. Two gears are in contact and rotating. One different ways: mostly at the rim, uniformly,
is larger than the other as shown. Compare and mostly at the hub. The wheels all have
their angular velocities. Also compare the the same mass. If equal torques are applied
linear velocities of two teeth that are in to them, which one will have the greatest
contact. angular acceleration? Which one will have
the least?
The more mass there is far from the
axis, the greater the moment of inertia.
If torque is fixed, the greater the
moment of inertia, the less the angular
acceleration. Thus, the wheel with mass
mostly at the hub has the least moment
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

of inertia and the greatest angular

The teeth have identical linear acceleration. The wheel with mass
velocities. Because the radii are mostly near the rim has the greatest
v moment of inertia and the least angular
different and ω = , the angular acceleration.
r
velocities are different.
32. Bowling Ball When a bowling ball leaves a
30. How can you experimentally find the bowler’s hand, it does not spin. After it has
moment of inertia of an object? gone about half the length of the lane,
however, it does spin. Explain how its
You can apply a known torque and rotation rate increased.
measure the resulting angular
acceleration. Its rotation rate can be increased only if
a torque is applied to it. The frictional
force of the alley on the ball provides
this force. Once the ball is rolling
without sliding, there is no more kinetic
frictional force and thus no more torque.
Inspire Physics 5 Physics Problems
 Module 8 continued

33. Flat Tire Suppose your car has a flat tire. 37. In solving problems about static equilibrium,
You find a lug wrench to remove the nuts why is the axis of rotation often placed at a
from the bolt studs. You cannot turn the point where one or more forces are acting
nuts. Your friend suggests ways you might on the object?
produce enough torque to turn them. What That makes the torque caused by that
three ways might your friend suggest? force equal to zero, reducing the
Put an extension pipe on the end of the number of torques that must be
wrench to increase the lever arm, exert calculated.
your force at right angles to the wrench,
or exert a greater force, perhaps by 38. Ranking Task Rank the objects shown
standing on the end of the wrench. below according to their moments of
inertia, from least to greatest. Each has a
34. Why can you ignore forces that act on the radius of (R) and total mass (M), which is
axis of rotation of an object in static uniformly distributed throughout the
equilibrium when determining the net shaded region. Specifically indicate
torque? any ties.
The torque caused by these forces is
zero because the lever arm is zero.

35. Tightrope Walkers Tightrope walkers

often carry long poles that sag so that the A disc-like object will smaller moment of
ends are lower than the center. How does a inertia than a hoop-like object,
pole increase the tightrope walker’s so D > A > C > B > E.
stability? Hint: Consider both center of mass
and moment of inertia.
Mixed Review
The pole increases moment of inertia
because of its mass and length. The 39. A wooden door of mass m and length l is
drooping ends of the pole bring the held horizontally by Dan and Ajit. Dan
center of mass closer to the wire, thus suddenly drops his end. (Level 1).
reducing the torque on the walker. The a. What is the angular acceleration of the
increased moment of inertia and door just after Dan lets go?
decreased torque both reduce the The torque is due to the gravitational
angular acceleration if the walker force. The force at the center of mass
becomes unbalanced. The walker can is mg.
also use the pole to easily shift the
τ
center of mass over the wire to Thus,α =
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

compensate for instability. I

Fr sin θ
=
36. Merry-Go-Round While riding a merry-go-
round, you toss a key to a friend standing
()
1 mI 2
3
on the ground. For your friend to be able to
catch the key, should you toss it a second
=
2 ( ) ( sin 90.0° )
mg 1 I
or two before you reach the spot where
your friend is standing or wait until your ( 31 ) mI
2

friend is directly beside you? Explain. 3g

=
You have forward tangential velocity, so 2I
the key will leave your hand with that
velocity. Therefore, you should toss it b. Is the acceleration constant? Explain.
early. No; the angle between the door and
the weight is changing, and therefore
the torque is also changing. Thus, the
acceleration changes.

Inspire Physics 6 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

40. Hard Drive A hard drive on a computer Substitute this into the force equation.
spins at 7200 rpm (revolutions per minute). Fleft + Fright + Fbags =
0
If the drive is designed to start from rest and
Fright =
−Fleft − Fbags
reach operating speed in 1.5 s, what is the
angular acceleration of the disk? (Level 1) −3.6 × 102 N − 10 ( −75 N)
=
= 6.0 × 102 N
∆ ω ω f − ωi
α =
=
∆t ∆t 42. A steel beam that is 6.50 m long weighs
( 7200 rpm − 0 rpm )  2π rad   1 min  325 N. It rests on two supports, 3.00 m
=   
1.5 s  rev   60 s  apart, with equal amounts of the beam
extending from each end. Suki, who weighs
= 5.0 × 102 rad/s2 575 N, stands on the beam in the center
and then walks toward one end. How close
41. Topsoil Ten bags of topsoil, each weighing to the end can she walk before the beam
75 N, are placed on a 2.43-m-long sheet of begins to tip? (Level 2)
wood. They are stacked 0.50 m from one Each support is 1.75 m from the end of
end of the sheet of wood as shown. Two the beam. Choose the point of rotation
people lift the sheet of wood, one at each to be the support at the end closer to
end. Ignoring the weight of the wood, how Suki. The center of mass of the beam is
much force must each person exert? 1.50 m from that support. The beam will
(Level 1)
just begin to tip when Suki’s torque (τS)
equals the torque of the beam’s center
of mass (τcm) and the entire weight is on
the support closest to Suki.
τ S = τ cm
FS rS = Fcm rcm
Fcm rcm
rs =
Fs

( 325 N) 
3.00 m 

=  2 
In equilibrium, the sum of the forces is 575 N
zero and the sum of the torques is zero.
= 0.848 m
Fleft + Fright + Fbags =
0
That is Suki can move 0.848 m from the
τ left + τ right + τ bags =
0
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

support or 1.75 − 0.848 = 0.90 m from

Choose the location of Fright as the axis the end.
of rotation to make that torque zero.
Then, 43. The second hand on a watch is 12 mm long.
What is the velocity of its tip?
τ left = −τ bags
(Level 1)
Fleft rleft = −Fbags rbags v = rω
−Fbags rbags  min 
Fleft = = ( 0.012 m )( −2π rad/min)  
rleft  60 s 
− ( 10 )( −75 N)( 0.50 m ) −1.3 × 10 −3 m/s
=
=
2.43 m
= 1.5 × 102 N

Inspire Physics 7 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

44. A cylinder with a 50 cm diameter as shown a. What is its initial angular velocity?
is at rest on a surface. A rope is wrapped V
around the cylinder and pulled. The ω=
r
cylinder rolls without slipping. (Level 1)
2.5 m/s
=
1 ( 0.241 m )
2
= 21rad/s

b. The ball rolls a total of 12 m. How many

revolutions does it make?
d = rθ

a. After the rope has been pulled a so θ =

d
distance of 2.50 m at a constant speed, r
how far has the center of mass of the 12 m  rev 
cylinder moved? =
()
 
1 ( 0.241 m )  2π rad 
The center of mass is always over the 2
point of contact with the surface for a = 16 rev
uniform cylinder. Therefore the
center of mass has moved 2.50 m. c. What is its total angular displacement?
b. If the rope was pulled a distance of d = rθ
2.50 m in 1.25 s, how fast was the center d
so θ =
of mass of the cylinder moving? r
d 12 m
v= =
 1
  ( 0.241 m )
t
2.50 m 2
=
1.25 s = 1.0 × 102 rad
= 2.00 m/s 46. The basketball in the previous problem
c. What is the angular velocity of the stops rolling after traveling 12 m. (Level 1)
cylinder? a. If its acceleration was constant, what
was its angular acceleration?
v
ω= V=2
Vi 2 + 2ad
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

r f

2.00 m/s −v i2
= so a =
()1 ( 0.5 m )
2
2d
a −v i2
= 8 rad/s Thus,α= =
r 2rd
45. Basketball A basketball is rolled down the − ( 2.5 m/s )
2

court. A regulation basketball has a =

 1
diameter of 24.1 cm, a mass of 0.60 kg, and 2   ( 0.241 m )( 12 m )
a moment of inertia of 5.8×10–3 kg·m2. The 2
basketball’s initial velocity is 2.5 m/s. = −2.2 rad/s2
(Level 1)
b. What torque was acting on it as it was
slowing down?
𝝉𝝉 = I𝜶𝜶
= �5.8×10−3 kg⋅m2 �(−2.2 rad/s2 )
= −1.3×10−2 N⋅m

Inspire Physics 8 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

47. Speedometers Most speedometers in

automobiles measure the angular velocity
of the transmission and convert it to speed.
How will increasing the diameter of the tires
affect the reading of the speedometer?
(Level 1)
Because increasing the diameter
decreases the angular velocity, it will
also decrease the reading of the
speedometer. a. Which load is easier to lift? Why?
The masses are the same, so the
48. A box is dragged across the floor using a weights are the same. Thus, the
rope that is a distance h above the floor. same upward force is required to lift
The coefficient of friction is 0.35. The box is each load.
0.50 m high and 0.25 m wide. Find the
force that just tips the box. (Level 1) b. Both you and your friend apply a torque
Let M equal the mass of the box. The with your hands to keep the lumber from
rotating. Which load is easier to keep
center of mass of the box is 0.25 m
above the floor. The box just tips when from rotating? Why?
the torques on it are equal. The longer piece of lumber would be
τ rope = τ friction easier to keep from rotating because
it has a greater moment of inertia.
Frope rrope = Ffriction rfriction
50. Surfboard Harris and Paul carry a
Ffriction rfriction
Frope = surfboard that is 2.43 m long and weighs
rrope 143 N. Paul lifts one end with a force of
µ Mgrfriction 57 N. (Level 2)
=
rrope a. What force must Harris exert?
F= Fg − FP
( 0.35 ) M ( 9.8 N/kg)( 0.25 m ) H
=
h − 0.25 m = 143 N − 57 N = 86 N

=
( 0.86 m /s ) M
2 2
b. What part of the board should Harris lift?
h − 0.25 m Choose the point of rotation at the
Note that when you pull the box at the end where Paul lifts.
height of its center of mass, the τH = τg
denominator becomes zero. That is, you FH rH = Fg rg
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

can pull with any amount of force and

not tip the box. Fg rg
rH =
FH
49. Lumber You buy a 2.44-m-long piece of
( 143 N) 
2.43 m 
10 cm × 10 cm lumber. Your friend buys a 
piece of the same size and cuts it into two = =  2  2.0 m
lengths, each 1.22 m long as shown. You 86 N
each carry your lumber on your shoulders. Thus, Harris has to lift 2.0 m from
(Level 2) Paul’s end of the board.

Inspire Physics 9 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

Thinking Critically a. What is the torque caused by each

force?
51 . Analyze and Conclude A banner is
τ g = Fg r sin θ
suspended from a horizontal, pivoted pole,
as shown. The pole is 2.10 m long = and ( 27 N)( 0.22 m )( sin 90.0° )
weighs 175 N. The banner, which weighs
105 N, is suspended 1.80 m from the pivot = 5.9 N·m
point or axis of rotation. What is the tension τ lamp = Flamp r sin θ

in the cable supporting the pole? = ( 64 N)( 0.33 m )( sin 90.0° )

= 21 N·m

b. Determine the tension in the rope

supporting the lamp pole.
Use the torques to find the vertical
component (FTy) of the tension. The
counterclockwise torques are in
equilibrium with the clockwise
torques.
τ ccw = τ cw
Use torques to find the vertical τ=
rope τ pole + τ lamp
component (FTy) of the tension. The =
FTy rrope Fpole rpole + Flamp rlamp
clockwise torques are in equilibrium
with the counterclockwise torques. Fpole rpole + Flamp rlamp
FTy =
τ ccw = τ cw rrope
τ cable
= τ pole + τ banner The total tension, then, is
FTy
=
FTy rcable Fpole rpole + Fbanner rbanner FT =
sin 105°
Fpole rpole + Fbanner rbanner
FTy = Fpole rpole + Flamp rlamp
rcable =
rrope sin 105°
The total tension, then, is
( 27 N) 
0.44 m 
FTy Fpole rpole + Fbanner rbanner  + ( 64 N) ( 0.33 m )
=FT =  2 
sin 25.0° rcable sin 25.0° =
( 0.44 m ) ( sin 105° )
( 175 N)( 1.05 m ) + ( 105 N)( 1.80 m )
Copyright ©McGraw-Hill Education

= = 64 N
( 2.10 m) sin 25.0°
53. Reverse Problem Write a physics problem
= 4.20 × 102 N with real-life objects for which the following
equation would be part of the solution:
52. Analyze and Conclude A pivoted lamp
 rad  1 rad 
pole is shown. The pole weighs 27 N, and ∆θ  20  ( 4 s ) −  3.5 2  ( 4 s )
2
=
the lamp weighs 64 N.  s  2 s 
Answers will vary, but a correct form of
the answer is, “A flywheel is spinning at
an angular velocity of 20 rad/s when a
constant angular acceleration of 3.5
rad/s2 is applied to slow it down.
Through what angle has it turned after 4
s have elapsed?”

Inspire Physics 10 Physics Problems

 Module 8 continued

54. Problem Posing Complete this problem so

that it can be solved using the concept of
Writing in Physics
torque: “A painter carries a 3.0 m, 12-kg 57. Astronomers know that if a natural satellite
ladder….” is too close to a planet, it will be torn apart
Answers will vary. A possible form of the by tidal forces. The difference in the
correct answer would be, “He places gravitational force on the part of the satellite
one hand 20 cm in front of the ladder’s nearest the planet and the part farthest
center and the other hand from the planet is stronger than the forces
40 cm behind the ladder’s center. What holding the satellite together. Research the
are the forces exerted by each hand?” Roche limit and determine how close the
Moon would have to orbit Earth to be at the
55. Apply Concepts Consider a point on the Roche limit.
edge of a wheel rotating about its axis. For a planet and a moon with identical
a. Under what conditions can the densities, the Roche limit is 2.446 times
centripetal acceleration be zero? the radius of the planet. Earth’s Roche
limit is 18,470 km.
when ω = 0.0
b. Under what conditions can the 58. Automobile engines are rated by the torque
tangential (linear) acceleration be zero? that they produce. Research and explain
why torque is an important quantity to
when α = 0.0
measure.
c. Can the tangential acceleration be The force exerted by the ground on the
nonzero while the centripetal tire accelerates the car. This force is
acceleration is zero? Explain. produced by the engine. It creates the
When ω = 0.0 instantaneously, but α force by rotating the axle. The torque is
is not zero, ω will keep changing. equal to the force on the edge of the tire
multiplied by the radius of the tire.
d. Can the centripetal acceleration be Gears in the transmission may cause the
nonzero while the tangential force to change, but they do not change
acceleration is zero? Explain. the torque. Therefore, the amount of
Yes, as long as ω is constant but not torque created by the engine is
zero. delivered to the wheels.
56. Apply Concepts When you apply the
brakes in a car, the front end dips. Why?
The road exerts a force on the tires that
brings the car to rest. The center of
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mass is above the road. Therefore, there

is a net torque on the car, causing it to
rotate in the direction that forces the
front down.

Inspire Physics 11 Physics Problems