This recitation will focus on applications of Newton's Second Law where objects move with constant circular velocity. Please experiment with the Physlet simulations below and complete the required calculations on your worksheet.
A 12 kg saucer sled is let on a spinning merry-go-round as shown (position is in meters and time is in seconds). The merry-go-round is spinning as fast as it can go without the sled sliding off.
Worksheet: Determine the coefficient of static friction (between the sled and the merry-go-round) on your worksheet.Start
A Ferris wheel rotates at constant speed as shown in the animation (position is given in meters and time is given in seconds). Each square represents a chair on the Ferris wheel.
Worksheet: What is the force exerted by the Ferris Wheel on a 100 kg rider when the rider is at point (a), (x,y) = (0,-6)? (b), (x,y) = (6,0)? (c), (x,y) = (0,6)? Start
A heavy ball is attached to a string and swung in a circular path in a horizontal plane as shown in the animation. At the point indicated the string suddenly breaks right where it connects to the ball. Five animations represent possible results when the string breaks at point P.
Worksheet: Which of the five animations properly represents the path of the ball if the string breaks at point P? Complete explain your reasoning (using Newton's Laws)
A car starts from rest and accelerates until it is half way around a circular track after which time it moves at constant speed.
Worksheet: Which of the three animations above correctly shows the acceleration vector? Clearly explain your reasoning (while referring to Newton's Laws) on your worksheet.