AP Physics 5: Circular and Rotational Motion Name __________________________

A. Circular Motion Mass (kg) Radius (m) r from Earth (m)

1. constant perimeter (tangential) speed: vt = 2r/T
a. distance = circumference of the circle: 2r
b. time = time for one revolution: T (period)
2. constant inward (centripetal) acceleration: ac = v2/r
3. centripetal force, Fc = mac = mv2/r
a. turning on a road problems
v = 2r/T

ac

 when the road is horizontal: Fc = Ff = smg

 roads are banked in order to reduce the amount of
friction (component of the Fg is || to Fc)
b. horizontal loop problem (mass on a
string)
Ft-x = Fc = mv2/r

Ft F t-y = Fg =
mg

v = 2r/T
 Ft = (Fc2 + Fg2)½
 tan = Fg/Fc ( is measured from horizontal)
c. vertical loop problem (mass on a string)
 top: Fnet = Fc = Ft + Fg  Ft = Fc – Fg

Fg Ft

Fg Ft

 bottom: Fnet = Fc = Ft – Fg  Ft = Fc + Fg
 if on a roller coaster: Fn = Ft
4. Newton's law of universal gravity, Fg = GMm/r2
a. G = 6.67 x 10-11 N•m2/kg2
b. M = mplanet and m = msatellite
c. r is the distance, measured from center to center
d. g = GM/r2
e. Fg = Fc: GMm/r2 = mv2/r  v = (GM/r)½

v = 2r/T

m F g = Fg M

r
Earth 5.98 x 1024 6.38 x 106
Moon 7.35 x 1022 1.74 x 106 3.84 x 108
Sun 1.99 x 1030 6.96 x 108 1.50 x 1011
B. Newton's Laws—Rotation
1. torque,  = rFr (tau—Greek letter for t) FL m2 FR
point
of rR m1
rotation r 90o Fr r1
r2
a. r = perpendicular distance from axis of rotation to
rotating force Fr  when support bar has mass: assume all of its mass
b. when r is not perpendicular to Fr, then  = rFrsin is in its center of gravity (geometric center)
c. torque units are m•N (not N•m—work)  assume point of rotation on left end  rL = 0 and L =
2. First Law: Object remains at rest or uniform rotation as 0
long as no net torque (net) acts on it  R – 1 – 2 = 0  R = 1 + 2  rRFR = r1m1g + r2m2g
a. measured as the moment of inertia, I = mr2  solve for FL: FL + FR = m1g + m2g
b.  corrects for mass distribution ( = 1 for a hoop)
3. Second Law: Fr = ma (acceleration at the rim)
(Frolling = ma + ma = (1 + )ma)
4. equilibrium (net = 0)
a. no acceleration (velocity can be non-zero)
b. center of mass: rcm = (rimi)/mi
rcm Fcm = Fg1 + Fg2
m1 m2
r1 m 1g r2 m 2g
CM = 1 + 2
rcm(m1 + m2)g = r1m1g + r2m2g
rcm = (r1m1 + r2m2)(m1 + m2)
c. first condition: all forces act through the center
1. solving first condition problems (general)
 draw free body diagram
 resolve non-||, non- forces into || and 
components
o v = 0: || and  to horizontal
o v  0: || and  to velocity
 ||: F||A + F||B + F||C + . . . = 0
 : FA + FB + FC + . . . = 0
 solve for unknown
2. solving first condition problems (special case)
 draw free body diagram
 if there are only three forces and two of the forces
are  to each other, then proceed
 rearrange forces into a tail to tip diagram (vector
sum)
 use trigonometry to solve for unknown sides 
o  +  = 90o C
o sin = cos = B/C
B
o cos = sin = A/C 
o tan = B/A, tan = A/B A
d. second condition: forces act away from the center
1. solving center of mass problems
m2
m1

Fg1 r1 cm r2 Fg2
 system is NOT rotating  1 + 2 = 0
  1 =  2  r1 F 1 = r2 F 2  r1 m1 g = r2 m2 g  r 1 m1 = r 2 m2
2. solving two supports problems
C. Conservation Laws—Rotation
1. rotational kinetic energy, Kr = ½mv2 (J)
a. v is the velocity at the rim
b. rolling kinetic energy: Krolling = ½(1 + )mv2
2. rotational momentum, L = rmv (kg•m2/s)
a. when net = 0, then L = 0
b. change r and/or  will change v
orbiting planet spinning diver

Kepler's Law
(A1  2 = A3  4)
r1v1 = r2v2 r11v1 = r22v2
3. mixed linear and rotation motion problems
a. Summary of translational and rotational
formulas
Translationa Rolling
Variable Rotational
l
force F = ma Fr = ma F = (1 + )ma
momentum p = mv L = rmv p + L = (1 + r)mv
kinetic
K = ½mv2 Kr = ½mv2 K = ½(1 + )mv2
energy
b. conservation of energy problems
ball rolling down a ramp m
 = 2/5

How fast is the ball moving when descends h m?

Krolling = Ug
½(1 + )mv2 = mgh
7
/10v2 = gh
v = (10/7gh)½
blocks and pulleys
m1
k
m2
r2
x


m3
What is the system's speed after m3 descends x m?
Ug-3 – Wf = K1 + K2 + K3
m3gx – km1gx = ½(m1 + m2 + m3)v'2
v' = [2(m3 – km1)gx/(m1 + m2 + m3)]½
c. conservation of momentum problems
jumping on a merry-go-round

m vm

M, rM, M

How fast is the system going after the boy, m, runs

at a stationary merry-go-round at velocity, vm and
jumps on at the edge?
(convert boy's linear motion to rotational motion,
where r is the rM and  = 1: L = rMmvm)
Lm + LM = L'
rmmmvm + rMMMvM = (rmmm + rMMM)v'
mvm = (mm + MM)v'
v' = mvm/(mm + MM)
D. Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
1. oscillating mass on a spring

a. acceleration is NOT constant  kinematic

formulas are invalid
b. displacement, velocity and acceleration oscillate
between +A and –A, where A = amplitude
1. x = +A, when t = 0 (pictured above)
time t=0 t = ¼T t = ½T t = ¾T t=T
displacement +A 0 -A 0 +A
velocity 0 -vmax 0 +vmax 0
acceleration -amax 0 +amax 0 -amax
2. x = 0, when t = 0 (heading downward)
time t=0 t = ¼T t = ½T t = ¾T t=T
displacement 0 -A 0 +A 0
velocity -vmax 0 +vmax 0 -vmax
acceleration 0 +amax 0 -amax 0
c. maximum acceleration, amax = A(k/m)
Steps Algebra
start with Fs = ma
substitute kA for Fs kA = ma
solve for a amax = A(k/m)
d. maximum velocity, vmax = A(k/m)½
Steps Algebra
start with Us = K
substitute ½kA2 for Us and ½mv2 for ½kA2 = ½mv2
K vmax = A(k/m)½
solve for v
e. velocity at x, in terms of vmax: vx = vmax[1 – (x2/A2)]½
Steps Algebra
start with Kx + USx = Umax
substitute for Us and K ½mvx2 + ½kx2 = ½kA2
2
solve for vx vx2 = (k/m)(A2 – x2)
multiply-divide by A2 vx2 = A2(k/m)[(A2/A2) – (x2/A2)]
square root both sides vx = A(k/m)½[(1 – (x2/A2)]½
substitute vmax for vx = vmax[1 – (x2/A2)]½
A(k/m)½
f. time for one cycle, period, T = 2(m/k)½

Steps Algebra
start with vmax = A(k/m)½
substitute 2A/T for vmax 2A/T = A(k/m)½
simplify 2/T = (k/m)½
solve for T T = 2/(k/m)½
substitute (m/k)½ for 1/(k/m)½ T = 2(m/k)½
g. formulas at midpoint, 0, and extremes, A
midpoint extreme
x 0 xmax = A
v vmax = 2A/T = -A(k/m)½ 0
a 0 amax = vmax2/A = -A(k/m)
U 0 Umax = ½kA2
K Kmax = ½mv2 0
2. pendulum

a. period of the simple pendulum, T = 2(L/g)½

Steps Algebra
start with F = kx
substitute mgsinrad for F mgsinrad = kx
substitute Lrad for x mgsinrad = kLrad
for small angles sinrad = rad mg = kL
solve for k k = mg/L
start with T = 2(m/k)½
substitute mg/L for k T = 2(m/mg/L)½
simplify T = 2(L/g)½
b. notice that m cancels out of the equation, so the
period only depends on the L and g
3. damped harmonic motion

a. amplitude of oscillating spring or swinging

pendulum will decrease until it stops—damping
b. damping is due to friction and air resistance
1. forces always oppose direction of velocity
2. damping is enhanced if oscillator is placed in
viscous fluid (car shock absorbers)
c. forced damping is accomplished with motors that
are programmed to oppose velocity (earthquake
protected buildings)
4. resonance
a. object can be set to oscillate by an external force
—forced vibration

b. when forced vibration matches natural vibration,

then amplitude builds with each vibration—
resonance
c. examples
1. child swinging
2. building during an earthquake
3. air inside a musical instrument
 A. Circular Motion
Centripetal Force Lab
Measure the period of a whirling mass using two
techniques, and then vary the tension and radius to see
their effects on the period.
a. Collect the following data.
Control
string length, L 0.5 m
hanging weight, m1 100 g
stopper mass, m2
time (10 orbits), t

Double L Half m1
m1 100 g m1 50 g
string length, L 1.0 m string length, L 0.5 m
time (10 orbits), t time (10 orbits), t

b. Calculate the following from the data.

Calculation
Formula
Control Double L Half m1

T1

Fg1

Fg2

Fc

T2

%

c. Do the results from this experiment seem reasonable?

Double L

Half m1

Questions 1-16 Briefly explain your answer.

1. When a tetherball is whirling around the pole, the net force
is directed
(A) toward the top of the pole
(B) toward the ground
(C) horizontally away from the pole
(D) horizontally toward the pole

2. You are standing in a bus that makes a sharp left turn.

Which of the following is true?
 (A) you lean to the left because of centripetal force (A) Earth's pull (B) Moon's pull (C) they are equal
(B) you lean to the right because of inertia
(C) you lean straight ahead because of the net force is
forward
(D) you lean to the right because of centrifugal force 11. If the distance between the Earth and Moon were doubled,
then the force of gravity would be
(A) equal (B) 2 x (C) ½ x (D) ¼ x

3. You drive your car too fast around a curve and the car starts
to skid. What is the correct description of this situation?
(A) car's engine is not strong enough to keep the car from 12. You weigh yourself in Denver at 1 mile above sea level.
being pushed out How would your weight compare to here?
(B) friction between the tires and the road is not strong
enough to keep the car in a circle (A) less (B) the same (C) more (D)
(C) car is too heavy to make the turn
(D) none of the above

13. Satellites A and B are of equal mass. A experiences twice

4. A steel ball is whirling around in a circle on the end of a the force of gravity compared to B. What is the ratio of
string, when the string breaks. Which path will it follow? radius A compared to radius B?
(A) 1/2 (B) 1/2 (C) 1/4 (D) 2/1

A B C 14. Is there a net force acting on an astronaut floating in orbit

around the Earth while on a space walk?
(A) yes (B) no

5. Two stones A and B have the same mass. They are tied to
strings and whirled in horizontal circles. The radius of the
circular path for stones A is twice the radius of stone B's 15. If you weighed yourself at the equator, would you weigh
path. If the period of motion is the same for both stones, more or less than at the poles?
what is the tension in cord A compared to cord B (A) less (B) the same (C) more
(A) TA = TB (B) TA = 2TB (C)TA = ½TB

16. When the Apollo Missions went to the moon they passed a
6. A rider in a "barrel of fun" finds herself stuck with her back point where the gravitational attractions from the moon and
to the wall as the barrel spins about a vertical axis. Which the earth are equal. What is the ratio of the distances to the
diagram shows the forces acting on her? Moon and Earth where this happened? (mEarth = 100mMoon)
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A) 1/100 (B) 1/10 (C) 10/1 (D) 100/1

17. A car is traveling east on the north side of a circular track.

(r = 50 m) takes 16 s to make one lap.
7. You are on a Ferris wheel moving in a vertical circle. a. Determine
Which is true when you are at the top of the wheel?
(A) Fn < Fg (B) Fn = Fg (C) Fn > Fg v

ac
8. You driving along a rural road. Which is true when you are
at the lowest point along a dip in the road? direction ac
(A) Fn < Fg (B) Fn = Fg (C) Fn > Fg
b. What direction will the car skid on the icy
north side?
9. You swing a ball on the end of a string in a vertical circle. 18. A rock is whirling in a horizontal circle on the end of a 2.0
Which is true of the centripetal force at the top of the circle? m string with a 0.50 s period of revolution. Determine
(A) Fc = Ft + Fg (B) Fc = Ft – Fg (C) Fc = Fg – Ft a. What is the direction of centripetal acceleration
when the rock is on the north side of the string?

10. Which is stronger the Earth's pull on the Moon or the b. What is the rock's velocity?
Moon's pull on the Earth?
 c. What is the centripetal acceleration? b. What is the tension in the cord at the bottom?

d. The string breaks when the rock is on the north

side of the string. Which way will the rock fly off?

19. The earth is 1.5 x 1011 m from the sun and makes one
complete circular orbit in 1 year.
a. What is the period of orbit in seconds?

b. What is the earth’s orbital velocity?

c. What is the centripetal acceleration of the earth toward

the sun?

20. A driver of a 1000-kg sports car attempts a turn whose

radius of curvature is 50 m on a road where  = 0.8.
a. What is the fastest that the driver can make
the turn?

b. Could the driver make the turn at this speed

(1) with a 2,000-kg SUV? Explain

(2) when the road is wet? Explain

21. A 2-kg mass is moving at 5 m/s in a horizontal circle of

radius 1 m at the end of a cord.
a. What is the horizontal component of tension?

b. What is the vertical component of tension?

c. What is the overall tension in the cord?

d. What angle does the cord make with the horizontal?

22. A 2-kg mass is moving at 5 m/s in a vertical circle of radius

1 m at the end of a cord.
a. What is the tension in the cord at the top of the circle?
23. A 1-kg pendulum bob swings back and forth from a 2-m (1) Collect the following data.
string that can support 15 N of tension without breaking. rr r50 ruler mass, mr
a. What is the maximum speed that the bob can
reach at the bottom of the swing without (2) Calculate the following from the data.
breaking the string? Formula Calculation

mr

b. What is the maximum height measured from vertical %

that the bob can reach? 
b. Extend from the table edge a ½-m stick with 50-g at
40 cm, 10-g at 15 cm and 20-g at 5 cm and measure
24. How would the force of gravity be affected if the Earth the balance point (CM).
a. had the same mass but a smaller radius? 50 g 10 g 20 g
Between Earth and Moon On the Earth's surface mr
½-m stick| | | | |
table 50 40 25 15 5 0 cm
b. had the same radius but a smaller mass?
Between Earth and Moon On the Earth's surface
(1) Collect the following data.
center of mass, CM
25. Determine the acceleration due to gravity on the planet
compared to Earth. (2) Calculate the following from the data.
Mass Radius (x Earth) Acceleration (x gEarth) Formula Calculation

m = mEarth r = rEarth g CM

m = mEarth r = 2rEarth
%
m = mEarth r = ½rEarth 
c. Determine the missing equilibrium vector using spring
m = 2mEarth r = rEarth scales and compare the results to the calculated values.
(1) Collect the following data.
m = ½mEarth r = rEarth
Scale A Scale B Scale C
26. What is the acceleration due to gravity (g) on Mars? Experimen
( m = 6.4 x 1023 kg, r = 3.4 x 106 m) Forc Forc Forc
t   
e e e
1 0o 1.0 N 90o 1.0 N
2 20o 1.0 N 80o 0.5 N
27. Consider the following changes to earth. 230
I Increase earth's mass 3 o 2.0 N 0o 1.3 N
II Decrease earth's mass (2) Calculate the following from the data.
III Increase earth's radius Formula Calculation
IV Decrease earth's radius Experiment 1 2 3
Which changes would decrease the
acceleration due to gravity on the earth's Ax
surface?
Which changes would increase the
acceleration due to gravity on the earth's Bx
surface?
Which changes would decrease the
acceleration due to gravity on the moon? Cx
Which changes would increase the
acceleration due to gravity on the moon?
28. What is the acceleration due to gravity (g) on the moon's Ay
surface? (refer to astronomical data on the Formula Sheet)

By

B. Newton's Laws—Rotation
Equilibrium Lab Cy
a. Extend from the table edge a ½-m stick with a 50-g
mass at 0 cm and measure the balance point (CM).
50 g
C
½-m stick | rr  r50 
table | | |
50 cm 25 cm 0 cm
 (s = .3) and ball C slides down ramp C (s = .6). Which is
 true of their velocities when the reach the end of their ramp?
(A) vA > vB = vC (B) vA > vB > vC (C) vA = vB = vC
%

d. Explore the relationship between center-of-mass and
balance by performing the following.
34. A 1-kg block is hung at the end of a rod 1-m long. The
(1) Stand with your heels and back against a balance point is 0.25 m from the end holding the block, what
wall and try to bend over and touch your is the mass of the rod?
toes. Explain | 0.25 m | 0.25 m |

center of rod
1 kg

(2) Stand facing the wall with your toes (A) 0.25 kg (B) 0.5 kg (C) 1 kg (D) 2 kg
against the wall and try to stand on your
toes. Explain
35. What is the total mass of the mobile? (rods are massless)

1m 2m A
(3) Rest a meter stick on two fingers. Slowly bring
your fingers together. Explain B 1m 3m 1 kg

(A) 5 kg (B) 6 kg (C) 7 kg (D) 8 kg

Questions 29-36 Briefly explain your answer.

29. You are using a wrench to loosen a rusty nut. Which will
produce the greatest torque? 36. Consider the two configurations of interlocking blocks on the
A B edge of a table. Which of the following is true?
A B
C

D
(A) A tips (B) B tips (C) both tip (D) neither tip

30. It is easier to stay upright on a moving bike compared to a

stationary bike because of
(A) Newton's first law
(C) Newton's third law
laws
37. Consider the door as viewed from above.
(B) Newton's second law
(D) All of Newton's
Determine
a. The torque when F1 = 45 N and r1 = 1 m.

Questions 31-32 Four objects have the same mass and radius. b. = 0.4 m, that will
The force, F2, where r2
generate the same torque as part a.
axis of rotation  
F

(A) hollow cylinder,  = 1 (B) solid cylinder,  = 1/2 38. A 5-kg disk ( = ½) rolls down a 30o incline. Determine
(C) hollow ball,  = 2/3 (D) solid ball,  = 2/5 a. The parallel component of Fg.
31. Which object would have the
greatest moment of inertia?
b. The disk's acceleration at the rim.

32. Which object would have the greatest rotational acceleration?

39. A 25-kg box rests on the edge of a merry-go-round (r = 2 m).

a. What is the maximum force of friction between the box
33. 3 identical balls descend 3 identical ramps (except for s). and merry-go-round (s = 0.80)?
Ball A slides down ramp A (s = 0), ball B rolls down ramp B
 43. A 5-m, 75-kg plank is extended 2 m over the edge of a
building. What is the maximum distance that a 25-kg child
walks out from the building's
b. What is the maximum velocity before the box edge without tipping the plank?
slips off?

c. What is the acceleration of the 200-kg merry-go-round 44. Consider the diagram of the printing press
( = ½) exerting by a 50-N force along the outer rim? on a table. Determine

d. How much time will it take to reach the

maximum velocity before the box slips off of
the merry-go-round?

a. F1.

e. Would this time increase or decrease if  = 1.0?

40. The 100-N block is stationary and s = 0.40. b. F2.

a. What is the minimum weight W?

b. What is the maximum weight W?

41. Consider the stop light, which has a mass of 30 kg. What
are the tensions in the two wires?

42. Consider the diagram of the chandelier.

Determine
a. F1.

b. F2.
45. A 50-kg box is anchored to the ceiling and wall by cords. C. Conservation Laws—Rotation
a. Draw a triangle showing the vector 1 +  lab
sum of the three forces acting on the 30o Roll different objects down an incline and calculate the final
50-kg box. Ft-w velocity and (1 + ) for each and compare the calculated
values with the ideal values.
Ft-c Fg 50 kg a. Collect the following data.
Ring Disk
b. Calculate the tension in the ceiling cord. height, h height, h
distance, d distance, d
time, t time, t
c. Calculate the tension in the wall cord.
Ball Cart
height, h height, h
46. A 2200-kg trailer is attached to a stationary truck. distance, d distance, d
time, t time, t

b. Calculate the following from the data.

Calculation
Formula
Ring Disk Ball Cart

Determine the
a. normal force on the trailer tires at A. 1+

c. Calculate the percent difference with the ideal

values.
b. normal force on the support B. Calculation
Formula
Ring Disk Ball Cart
3 7
Ideal values 2 /2 /5 1
47. A plank is placed on two scales, which are then zeroed. A
172-cm-tall student lies on the plank resulting in the %
reading shown.
49. A hoop, cylinder and sphere roll down a 1-m ramp inclined
30o at the same time that a box slides down a frictionless
ramp that is also 1 m long and inclined 30o.
a. Derive a formula for determining the
velocity of each object when it reaches the
bottom of the ramp.
a. What is the student's mass?

b. What are the velocities of each when they reach the

b. What is the distance from her feet to her center-of-mass? bottom of the ramp? (1) :

Hoop ( = 1)

48. A 200-N sign hangs from the end of a 5-m pole, which is
held at a 37o angle by a horizontal guy wire. Cylinder ( =
1
/2)
guy wire
Sphere ( = 2/5)

pole Physics Box: ( = 0)

is Phun
c. What is the order in which they reach the
37o bottom?
Determine the tension in the guy wire.
 = ½) that "rolls"
50. Determine the velocity of a Yo-Yo ( 51. A marble ( = 2/5) rolls from rest down a ramp and around a
loop (radius = 10 m). Determine
down its string a distance of 0.50 m. A

H 10 m

a. the minimum velocity at B.

b. the minimum height H at A.

52. A string is attached to a 1.0-kg block and is wrapped round

a pulley ( = ½, m = 2.0 kg). The block is released from
rest and accelerates downward while the pulley rotates.

What is the block's velocity after descending 1 m?

53. Two weights (m1 = 0.40 kg, m2 = 0.60 kg) are connected by
a cord that hangs from a pulley ( = ½, M = 0.50 kg).

m2

1m
m1

What is the velocity of m2 after descending 1 m?

54. A string attached to a 20-kg block resting on a table

passes over a pulley ( = ½, m = 4 kg) and attaches to a
14-kg mass hanging over the edge of the table. The 20-kg
box slide along the table ( = 0.25) while the 14-kg mass
descends 1 m.

20 kg

1m
14 kg
What is the hanging mass' velocity after
descending 1 m?

55. What is the angular momentum of a 0.2-kg ball
traveling at 9 m/s on the end of a string in a
circle of radius 1 m?
56. What is the angular momentum of Earth, m = 6.0 x 1024 kg?
a. about its axis of rotation ( = 2/5, rplanet = 6.4 x 106 m)
b. in its orbit around the Sun ( = 1, rorbit = 1.5 x 1011
57. Rotation formulas can be derived by replacing L instead of p
and I instead of m. since K = p2/2m, then Kr = L2/2I.
a. Prove Kr = ½mv2 = L2/2I using L = rmv and I = mr2.
b. A 10-N force accelerates the rim of a stationary flywheel
( = ½, m = 25 kg, r = 0.50 m) for 60 s. Determine the
(1) moment of inertia.
(2) velocity.
(3) angular momentum,
(4) kinetic energy.
58. Halley's comet follows an elliptical orbit, where its closest
approach to the sun is 8.9 x 1010 m and its farthest
distance is 5.3 x 1012 m. How many times faster
does the comet travel at its fastest compared to
its slowest?
59. The rim of a disk ( = ½, m = M, r = R) rotates at a velocity,
V. A ring ( = 1, m = M, r = R) is dropped on top of the disk.
a. Calculate Ltotal before the ring is dropped on the
disk.
b. Calculate the velocity after the ring is
dropped.
60. A child (m = 42 kg) runs toward a stationary merry-go-round
( = ½, m = 180 kg, r = 1.2 m) along a tangent at 3 m/s. The
child jumps on the merry-go-round and sets it rotating.
3 m/s
 = ½
42 kg 180 kg
1.2 m
What is the speed of the merry-go-round after the child
jumps on?
61. Tarzan (100 kg) is on a ledge that is 20 m above Jane (45
kg), who is trapped on a lower ledge. Tarzan grabs a long
vine and swings down from the ledge and grabs Jane, who
is stationary. The two swing over to a rock ledge on the
other side of the river gorge that is 10 m higher than the
m) rock ledge where Jane is trapped. Assuming the vine is
long enough, can Tarzan and Jane reach the other side?
T
J
a. Calculate Tarzan's velocity when he grabs
Jane.
b. Calculate the velocity after Tarzan grabs
Jane.
c. Calculate how high Tarzan swings to the
other side.
d. Did Tarzan and Jane make it?
e. What could Tarzan have done to save Jane?
f. How high would Tarzan have to start to save
Jane?
g. What minimum initial velocity would Tarzan need to
save Jane starting from the original ledge?
62. A 1-kg, disk ( = ½) is placed on a 2-m ramp where the top
is 1 m above the base of the ramp. The disk is placed at the
top and rolls down to the base of the ramp.
a. What is the disk's velocity when reaches the base? b. What is the percentage of the student's kinetic energy
that is lost in the "collision" with the merry-go-round?

b. How much time does it take the disk to travel

the 2 m? 67. A 2-kg block and a 1-kg sphere hang from 2-m strings. The
sphere is raised to a horizontal position and swings toward
the block and collides with it.
c. Predict how the following alterations would change the
disk's velocity at and time to reach the base of ramp?
Alteration Final Velocity Time
A 2.0-kg disk is used
A 1.0-kg ring ( = 1) is used
A 3-m ramp is used, but h = 1
m
63. A string attached to a 10-kg box resting on a table passes
over a pulley ( = ½, m = 1 kg) and attaches to a 5-kg mass a. What is the sphere's velocity before the collision?
hanging over the edge of the table. The 10-kg box slide 1 m
along the table ( = 0.3) while the 5-kg mass descends.

1m Assume that the collision is inelastic.

b. What is the sphere-block's velocity after the
collision?
a. How much kinetic energy does the system
have at the point where the 5-kg mass has
descended 1 m? c. What is the maximum height reached after the collision?

b. What is the maximum velocity of the d. What is the maximum height reached after the
system? collision if the block and sphere exchange
positions initially?

64. Halley's Comet has a velocity of 3.88 x 104 m/s when it is

8.9 x 1010 m from the sun. How fast is it traveling when it is
5.3 x 1012 m from the sun? The sphere is raised to a horizontal position initially and
then collides elastically with the block.
e. What are the velocities of the block and
sphere after the collision?
65. What is the angular momentum of the Moon?
(m = 7.35 x 1022 kg, rmoon = 1.74 x 106 m, rorbit = 3.84 x 108 m,
Torbit = Trotation = 2.42 x 106 s)
a. about its axis of rotation ( = 2/5)

f. What are the maximum heights reached by the block

b. in its orbit around the Earth ( = 1) and sphere?

66. A student (m = 75 kg) runs at 5 m/s tangentially toward a

g. Was potential energy conserved after the
stationary merry-go-round ( = ½, m = 150 kg, r = 2 m),
jumps on the merry-go-round and sets it rotating. collision?
a. What is the velocity of the student after he
jumps on to the merry-go-round?
D. Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Simple Harmonic Motion Lab
a. Measure the length L and time t for 10 oscillations of a (3) Calculate
the period based on the
spring with different hanging masses m, determine k
using two methods and compare the results. pendulum's length.
(1) Collect the following data.
m (kg) 0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
L (m) (4) Which angles produce values for T that are closest
t (s) to the one based on the pendulum's length?
(2) Calculate the following using the data.
Formula Calculation
added mass 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 Questions 68-85 Briefly explain your answer.
Questions 68-71 A spring bob in SHM has amplitude A and
period T.
L
68. What is the total distance traveled by the bob after time T?
(A) 0 (B) ½A (C) 2A (D) 4A
F

69. What is the total displacement after time T?

k
(A) 0 (B) ½A (C) 2A (D) 4A

kav
70. How long does it take the bob to travel a distance of 6A?
T (A) ½T (B) ¾T (C) 5/4T (D) 3/2T

k
71. At what point in the motion is v = 0 and a = 0 simultaneously?
(A) x = 0 (B) 0 < x < A(C) x = A (D) no point
kav

(3) Calculate the percent difference between the two

values of k. Questions 72-73 A single spring stretches a distance of 60 cm
with an applied force of 1 N. A second identical spring is
attached to the first.
72. How much force is needed to stretch the two spring 60 cm
b. Measure the pendulum period for different releasing if the second spring is attached parallel to the first?
angles  and seeing which angles give the most ideal (A) ½ N (B) 1 N (C) 2 N (D) 4 N
values for T.
(1) Collect the following data.
L (m) 73. How much force is needed to stretch the two spring 60 cm
(o) 10o 20o 30o 40o 50o 60o if the second spring is attached in series to the first?
(A) ½N (B) 1N (C)
t (s) 2N (D) 4N

(2) Calculate the following from the data.

Formula Calculation 74. A mass on the end of a spring oscillates in simple harmonic
angle 10o 20o 30o 40o 50o 60o motion with amplitude A. If the mass doubles but the
amplitude is not changed, what happen to the total energy?
x (A) decrease (B) no change (C) increase (D)

75. If the amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is doubled,

k
which quantity will change the most?
(A) T (B) v (C) a (D) K + U
T

Questions 76-77 An air-track glider with springs attached at

% each end oscillates with period T.
76. If the mass of the glider is doubled, what is the new period?
 (A) T/2 (B) T (C) 2T (D) 2T 85. When a 50 kg person sits on a swing, the period of
oscillation is T1, when a 100 kg person sits on the same
swing, the period of oscillation is T2. Which is true?
(A) T1 < T2 (B) T1 = T2 (C) T1 > T2
77. If identical springs are added in parallel to each side of the
original mass, what is the new period?
(A) T/2 (B) T (C) 2T (D) 2T
86. Consider the diagram in your notes of one cycle of SHM.
a. Determine the time in terms of T for each situation.
Maximum up Zero Maximum
down
78. Which will change the period of oscillation of a mass
Acceleration
hanging on the end of a spring?
(A) move the oscillator to an elevator rising at constant Velocity
speed b. Determine the following when m = 1 kg, k = 100 N/m
(B) move the oscillator to an elevator accelerating up and A = 0.1 m.
(C) move the oscillator to the Moon (1) maximum acceleration
(D) none of the above

Questions 79-80 Consider the periods of pendulums A and B,

(2) maximum velocity
79. Which period is greater when LA = LB, but mA > mB?
(A) A (B) B (C) the same

(3) period
80. Which period is greater when mA = mB, but LA > LB?
(A) A (B) B (C) the same
(4) maximum kinetic energy

81. A grandfather clock has a weight at the bottom of the

(5) maximum potential energy
pendulum that can be moved up or down. If the clock is
running slow, should the weight be moved up or down?
(A) up (B) down (C) neither will work
(D) (6) velocity when x = 0.05 m

82. Which will decrease the period of a pendulum?

(A) move the pendulum to an elevator rising at constant
speed
(B) move the pendulum to an elevator accelerating up
(C) move the pendulum to an elevator accelerating down
(D) move the pendulum to the Moon

83. After a pendulum starts swinging, its amplitude gradually

decreases with time because of friction. What happens to
the period of the pendulum during this time
(A) decreases (B) no change (C) increases

84. When you sit on a swing, the period of oscillation is T1.

When you stand on the same swing, the period of
oscillation is T2. Which is true?
(A) T1 < T2 (B) T1 = T2 (C) T1 > T2
 c. Graph the potential energy (----), kinetic energy (•••) (3) period
and total energy (––) for one complete oscillation.

0.5 J

(4) maximum kinetic energy

0J
¼T ¾T
d. complete the following chart (x = +A at t = 0
s) (5) maximum potential energy
t ¼T ½T ¾T 1T
x

v (6) velocity when x = 0.20 m

a

F
c. Graph the potential energy, kinetic energy
e. How do the following change if the amplitude is 0.2 m? and total energy for one complete oscillation.
Max acceleration Max velocity Period
3J

87. A 1-kg ball on the end of a 1-m string is set in motion by

pulling the ball out so that it is raised 0.015 m. Determine 0J
¼T ¾T
a. the maximum speed
d. complete the following chart (x = 0 at t = 0
s)
t ¼T ½T ¾T 1T
b. the period of oscillation. x

c. What would the period be with the following a

changes?
F
m = 4 kg L=4m g = 40 m/s2
e. Determine the following values when A = 0.50 m.
(1) maximum acceleration
88. Consider the diagram of one cycle of SHM.

(2)maximum velocity

(3)period

a. Determine the time (in terms of T) for each of the

following.
Maximum up Zero Maximum down 89. A 1-kg ball swings from the ceiling on the end of a 2-m
Acceleratio string. The ball starts its swing from a position that is
n 0.2 m above its lowest point.
a. What is the maximum speed of the ball?
Velocity
b. Determine the following when m = 1 kg, k = 100 N/m
and A = 0.25 m.
(1) maximum acceleration b. What is the period of oscillation for the
pendulum?

(2) maximum velocity

Practice Multiple Choice (No calculator)
Briefly explain why the answer is correct in the space
provided.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1. In the diagram, a car travels clockwise at constant speed.
C A B A C B B B A D B B A D C C B
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
B C D B C B C C D D A D A D B B C
35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
D B B D D D D C A A D B A D D D

Which letters represent the directions of the car's velocity,

v, and acceleration, a?
v a v a
(A) A C (B) C B
(C) C A (D) D A

2. A racing car is moving around the circular track of radius

300 m. At the instant when the car's velocity is directed
due east, its acceleration is 3 m/s2 directed due south.
When viewed from above, the car is moving
(A) clockwise at 30 m/s (B) counterclockwise at 30 m/s
(C) clockwise at 10 m/s d. counterclockwise at 10 m/s

3. The disk is rotating counterclockwise when the ball is

projected outward at the instant the disk is in the position
shown.

Which of the following best shows the subsequent direction

of the ball relative to the ground?
(A)  (B)  (C)  (D) 

4. A person weighing 800 N on earth travels to another planet

with the same mass as earth, but twice the radius. The
person's weight on this other planet is most nearly
(A) 200 N (B) 400 N (C) 800 N (D) 1600 N

5. A ball is released from rest at position P swings through

position Q then to position R where the string is again
horizontal.

What are the directions of the ball's acceleration at

positions, Q and R?
Q R Q R
(A)   (B)  
(C)   (D)  

6. A 5-kg sphere is connected to a 10-kg sphere by a rod.

The center of mass is closest to

(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
7. A ball attached to a string is moved at constant speed in a
horizontal circular path. A target is located near the path of
the ball as shown in the diagram.

At which point along the ball's path should the string be

released, if the ball is to hit the target?
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D

8. The diagram shows a 5.0-kg bucket of water being swung

in a horizontal circle of 0.70-m radius at a constant speed
of 2.0 m/s.

The centripetal force on the bucket of water is

(A) 5.7 N (B) 29 N (C) 14 N (D) 200 N

Questions 9-10 refer to a ball that is tossed straight up from the

surface of a small asteroid with no atmosphere. The ball
rises to a height equal to the asteroid's radius and then
falls straight down toward the surface of the asteroid.
9. What forces act on the ball while it is on the way up?
(A) a decreasing gravitational force that acts downward
(B) an increasing gravitational force that acts downward
(C) a constant gravitational force that acts downward
(D) a constant gravitational force that acts
downward and a decreasing force that acts
upward

10. The acceleration of the ball at the top of its path is

(A) at its maximum value for the ball's flight
(B) equal to the acceleration at the surface
(C) equal to one-half the acceleration at the surface
(D) equal to one-fourth the acceleration at the
surface

Questions 11-12 A 125-N board is 4 m long and is supported by

vertical chains at each end. A person weighing 500 N is
sitting on the board. The tension in the right chain is 250 N.
11. What is the tension in the left chain?
(A) 250 N (B) 375 N (C) 500 N (D) 625 N
12. How far from the left end of the board is the person sitting?
(A) 0.4 m (B) 1.5 m (C) 2 m (D) 2.5 m

13. A square piece of plywood on a horizontal tabletop is

subjected to the two horizontal forces shown above.

Where should a third force of magnitude 5 N be

applied to put the piece of plywood into
equilibrium?
A B
C

Questions 14-15 A 100-N weight is suspended by two cords.

14. The tension in the ceiling cord is

(A) 50 N (B) 100 N (C) 170 N (D) 200 N

15. The tension in the wall cord is

(A) 50 N (B) 100 N (C) 170 N (D) 200 N

16. The diagram represents two satellites of equal mass, A

and B, in circular orbits around a planet.

Comparing the gravitational force between satellite and

planet, B's gravitational force compared to A's is
(A) half as great (B) twice as great
(C) one-fourth as great (D) four times as great

17. The radius of the earth is approximately 6,000 km. The

acceleration of an astronaut in a perfectly circular orbit
6,000 km above the earth would be most nearly
(A) 0 m/s2 (B) 2.5 m/s2 (C) 5 m/s2 (D) 10 m/s2
18. A 5-m, 100-kg plank rests on a ledge with 2 m extended out. 24. A satellite of mass m and speed v moves in a stable,
circular orbit around a planet of mass M. What is the radius
of the satellite’s orbit?
(A) GM/mv (B) Gv/mM
(C) GM/v2 (D) GmM/v

How far can a 50-kg person walk out on the plank past the
edge of the building before the plank just begins to tip? 25. A wheel of radius R is mounted on an axle so that the wheel
(A) ½ m (B) 1 m (C) 3/2 m (D) 2 m is in a vertical plane. Three small objects having masses m,
M, and 2M, respectively, are mounted on the rim.

19. The system is balanced when hanging by the rope.

What is m in terms of M when the wheel is stationary?

(A) 1/2 M (B) M (C) 3/2 M (D) 2 M

What is the mass of the fish?

(A) 1.5 kg (B) 2 kg (C) 3 kg (D) 6 kg
26. In each case the unknown mass m is balanced by a known
mass M1 or M2.

20. A ball attached to a string is whirled around in a horizontal

circle with radius r, speed v and tension T. If the radius is
increased to 4r and the tension remains the same, then the
speed of the ball is
(A) ¼v (B) ½v (C) v (D) 2v What is the value of m in terms of the known masses?
(A) M1 + M2 (B) (M1 + M2)/2
(C) M1M2 (D) (M1M2)½

21. A 0.4-kg object swings on the end of a string. At the

bottom of the swing, the tension in the string is 6 N. What
is the centripetal force acting on the object at the bottom of 27. An asteroid moves in an elliptic orbit with the Sun at one
the swing? focus.
(A) 4 N (B) 2 N (C) 6 N (D) 10 N

Which of the following increases as the asteroid moves

22. Two wheels, fixed to each other, are free to rotate about a from point P in its orbit to point Q?
frictionless axis perpendicular to the page. Four forces are (A) Speed (B) Angular momentum
exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels.
(C) Total energy (D) Potential energy

28. A satellite S is in an elliptical orbit around a planet P with r1

and r2 being its closest and farthest distances, respectively,
from the center of the planet. If the satellite has a speed v1
at its closest distance, what is its speed at its farthest
The net torque on the system about the axis is distance?
(A) zero (B) FR (C) 2FR (D) 5FR (A) (r1/r2)v1 (B) (r2/r1)v1
(C) (r2 – r1)v1 (D) ½(r1 + r2)v1

23. Mars has a mass 1/10 that of Earth and a diameter 1/2 that of
Earth. The acceleration of a falling body near the surface 29. A satellite of mass M moves in a circular orbit of radius R
of Mars is most nearly at a constant speed v. Which must be true?
(A) g/5 (B) 2g/5 (C) g/2 (D) g I. The net force on the satellite is equal to Mv2/R and is
directed toward the center of the orbit.
II. The net work done on the satellite by gravity in one
revolution is zero.
III. The angular momentum of the satellite is a constant.
(A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II (D) I, II, and III
 34. Which graph can best represent the total mechanical
energy of the block-spring system as a function of x?

Questions 30-31 A sphere of mass M, radius R, and = 2/5, is

released from rest at the top of an inclined plane of height h.
35. Which graph can best represent the kinetic energy of the
block as a function of x?

36. Which graph can best represent the potential energy of the
30. If the plane is frictionless, what is the speed of the center block as a function of x?
of mass of the sphere at the bottom of the incline?
(A) (2gh)½ (B) 2Mgh (C) 2MghR2 (D) 5gh

37. Which graph can best represent the acceleration of the

block as a function of x?
31. If the plane has friction so that the sphere rolls without
slipping, what is the speed at the bottom of the incline?
(A) (2gh)½ (B) 2Mgh (C) 2MghR2 (D) (10gh/7)½
38. Which graph can best represent the velocity of the block as
a function of x?

32. For which motions is there a variable force involved?

(A) Constant speed in a straight line
(B) Simple harmonic motion
39. A block attached to the lower end of a vertical spring
(C) Constant speed in a circle
oscillates up and down. The period of oscillation depends
(D) Constant acceleration in a straight line on which of the following?
I. Mass of the block
II. Amplitude of the oscillation
III. Spring constant
33. A particle of mass, m, moves with a constant speed v (A) I only (B) II only (C) III only (D) I and III
along the dashed line y = a.
only

40. When a 1-kg bob is attached to a spring, the period of

oscillation is 2 s. What is the period of oscillation when a
When the x-coordinate of the particle is xo, the 2-kg bob is attached to the same spring?
magnitude of the angular momentum of the particle with (A) 0.5 s (B) 1.0 s (C) 1.4 s (D) 2.8 s
respect to the origin of the system is
(A) zero (B) mva (C) mvxo (D) mv(vo2 + a2)
½
41. A pendulum and a mass hanging on a spring both have a
period of 1 s on earth. They are taken to planet X, which
Questions 34-38 A block oscillates without friction on the end of has twice the gravitational acceleration g as earth. Which
a spring. The minimum and maximum lengths of the is true about the periods of the two objects on planet X
spring as it oscillates are, respectively, xmin and xmax. compared to their periods on earth?
(A) Both are shorter.
(B) Both are longer.
(C) The pendulum is longer and the spring is the same.
The graphs below can represent quantities associated with (D) The pendulum is shorter and the spring is the
the oscillation as functions of the length x of the spring. same.
(A) (B)

42. The graph is of the displacement x versus time t for a

particle in simple harmonic motion with a period of 4 s.
(C) (D)

Which graph shows the potential energy of the particle as

a function of time t for one cycle of motion?
(A) (B) (C) (D)
Questions 43-44 Two identical springs are hung from a
horizontal support. When a 1.2-kg block is suspended
from the pair of springs, each spring is stretched an
additional 0.15 m.

43. The spring constant of each spring is most nearly

(A) 40 N/m (B) 48 N/m (C) 60 N/m (D) 80 N/m

44. In which of the following cases will the block have the
same oscillating amplitude and maximum velocity?
I. The block is hung from one of the two springs.
II. The block is hung from the two springs connected
one on top of the other.
III. A 0.6-kg mass is attached to the block.
(A) None (B) III only (C) I and II (D) II and III

45. A ball is dropped from a height of 10 m onto a hard surface

so that the collision at the surface may be assumed elastic.
Under such conditions the motion of the ball is
(A) simple harmonic with a period of about 1.4 s
(B) simple harmonic with a period of about 2.8 s
(C) simple harmonic with an amplitude of 5 m
(D) periodic but not simple harmonic

46. An object swings on the end of a cord as a simple

pendulum with period T. Another object oscillates up and
down on the end of a vertical spring, also with period T. If
the masses of both objects are doubled, what are the new
values for the periods?
Pendulum Spring Pendulum Spring
(A) T/√2 √2T (B) T √2T
(C) T T (D) √2T T

47. When a mass m is hung on a spring, the spring stretches a

distance d. If the mass is then set oscillating on the spring,
the period of oscillation is proportional to
(A) (d/g)½ (B) (g/d)½ (C) (d/mg)½ (D) (m2g/d)½

48. A 3-kg block is hung from a spring, causing it to stretch 12

cm at equilibrium. The 3-kg block is then replaced by a 4-
kg block, and the new block is released from the spring
when it is unstretched. How far will the 4-kg block fall
before its direction is reversed?
 (A) 9 cm (B) 18 cm (C) 24 cm (D) 32 cm 2. A string attached to a 20-kg block resting on a table
passes over a pulley ( = ½, m = 10 kg) and attaches to a
10-kg mass hanging over the edge of the table. The 20-kg
box slide along the table ( = 0.30) while the 10-kg mass
49. A spring is fixed to the wall at one end. A block of mass M descends 2 m.
attached to the other end of the spring oscillates with
amplitude A on a frictionless, horizontal surface. The
maximum speed of the block is v.

2m
The spring constant is Determine the
(A) Mg/A (B) Mgv/2A (C) Mv2/2A (D) M(v/A)2
a. force of friction on the 20-kg block as it
slides.

50. A sphere of mass m1 is attached to a spring. A second

sphere of mass m2 is suspended from a string of length L,
If both spheres have the same period of oscillation, which b. force of gravity on the 10 kg mass.
of the following is an expression for the spring constant?
(A) L/m1g (B) g/m2L (C) m1L/g (D) m1g/L

c. net force rotating the pulley.

Practice Free Response

1. A roller coaster ride at an amusement park lifts a car of
mass 700 kg to point A at a height of 90 m above the d. acceleration of the pulley at the rim.
lowest point on the track, as shown above. The car starts
from rest at point A, rolls with negligible friction down the
incline and follows the track around a loop of radius 20 m.
Point B, the highest point on the loop, is at a height of 50 m e. velocity when the system has moved 2 m.
above the lowest point on the track.

f. loss of potential energy as the 10-kg mass falls 2 m.

P g. work done by friction as the 20-kg block slides 2 m.

a. (1) Indicate on the figure the point P at which the
maximum speed of the car is attained.
(2) Calculate the value vmax of this maximum speed.
h. velocity of the system

b. Calculate the speed vB of the car at point B.

3. A 0.5-kg hoop ( = 1) rolls from rest at the top of the ramp of
length L = 2 m and angle  = 30o. The table height H = 1 m.

c. (1) Draw and label vectors to represent the forces

acting on the car when it is upside down at point B.

(2) Calculate all the forces identified in (c1).

a. Determine the potential energy of the hoop at the top

of the ramp, where Ug = 0 at the floor.
 b. The hoop rolls down the ramp and then onto the floor.
Determine the hoop's
(1) speed at the bottom of the ramp.
Complete the chart with either +, 0, or –.
t 0s 1s 2s 3s
x (m)
(2) speed just before it hits the floor.
v (m/s)
a (m/s2)
F (N)
(3) translational kinetic energy before it hits U (J)
the floor.
K (J)

(4) percentage of total energy that is

rotational kinetic energy just before it
hits the floor.

c. The hoop is replaced by a 0.5 kg solid sphere ( = 2/5),

which rolls down the ramp and then onto the floor.
Determine the sphere's
(1) speed at the bottom of the ramp.

(2) speed just before it hits the floor.

(3) translational kinetic energy before it hits

the floor.

(4) percentage of total energy that is

rotational kinetic energy just before it
hits the floor.

d. Comparing a hoop ( = 1), disk ( = ½) and a sphere

( = 2/5) just before it lands on the floor, which would
(1) have the greatest % rotational kinetic
energy?

(2) land furthest from the base of the table?

(3) have the most kinetic energy just before it

landed?

4. The graph shows a system in simple harmonic motion.

6. A 3.0 kg bob swings on the end of a 1.0 m string. The
potential energy U of the object as a function of distance x
from its equilibrium position is shown. This particular
object has a total energy E of 0.4 J.
e. What is the object's speed at x = 0?

5. The mobile is in equilibrium. Object B has mass of 27 g.

a. potential energy when its

What is the bob's
displacement is +4 cm from its equilibrium
position?

b. What is the greatest distance x for the pendulum bob?

Explain your reasoning.

Determine the mass of objects A, C and D. (Neglect the

weights of the crossbars.)
c. How much time does it take the pendulum to go from
the greatest +x to the greatest –x?

d. Determine the bob's kinetic energy when x = -7 cm.

7. The cart of mass m with four wheels of mass m/4 and  = ½ is released from rest and rolls from the top of a ramp of height h.
After rolling down the ramp and across the horizontal surface, the cart collides and sticks with a bumper of mass 3m attached
to a spring, which has a spring constant k.

Given: m = 1 kg, h = 0.50 m, k = 250 N/m, determine d. the speed of the cart just after the collision.
a. the potential energy of the cart at the top of the ramp .

e. the translational kinetic energy of the cart and bumper

b. the speed of the cart at the bottom of the ramp. just after the collision.

c. the carts translational kinetic energy just f. the amount that the spring is compressed.
before the collision.