Question 1

A boy plays solitary seesaw by placing the seesaw's fulcrum one-eighth the distance from where he sits at one end. Which weighs more?

Accepted Answer

A) the boy 
B) the seesaw 
C) they have equal weights 
D) need more information

Question 2

The net force exerted on a car traveling in a circular path at constant speed is

Accepted Answer

A) directed forward, in the direction of travel. 
B) directed toward the center of the curve. 
C) zero because the car is not accelerating. 
D) none of the above

Question 3

A solitary boy cannot balance on a seesaw with its fulcrum at its midpoint. If the fulcrum is moved to one-quarter the distance from the boy, balance is achieved when the weight of the boy is

Accepted Answer

A) less than the weight of the seesaw. 
B) equal to the weight of the seesaw. 
C) more than the weight of the seesaw. 
D) need more information

Question 4

Multiple the equation for linear momentum by radial distance r and you have

Accepted Answer

A) rotational kinetic energy. 
B) angular momentum. 
C) rotational inertia.

Question 5

The force responsible for a car moving steadily along a no-friction icy banked curve is due to

Accepted Answer

A) centrifugal effects. 
B) the normal force at right angles to the curved surface. 
C) the radial component of the normal force. 
D) none of the above

Question 6

Consider a string with several rocks tied along its length at equally spaced intervals. You whirl the string overhead so that the rocks follow circular paths. Compared with a rock at the end of the string, a rock at the middle moves

Accepted Answer

A) half as fast. 
B) twice as fast. 
C) at the same linear speed.

Question 7

When railroad tracks make a curve, the outer track is longer. This means a wheel that rides on the outer track needs to somehow

Accepted Answer

A) roll slower than the wheel on the inner track. 
B) maintain the same speed as the wheel on the inner track. 
C) roll faster than the wheel on the inner track.

Question 8

When a train makes a curve, a tapered wheel rim is able to

Accepted Answer

A) cover different distances per revolution. 
B) maintain a fixed rotational speed. 
C) reduce differences in angular speeds.

Question 9

Stand a broom upright on the end of its pole and let it topple to the floor. Repeat, but with the bristles end on the floor. The faster fall will be the broom standing on its

Accepted Answer

A) pole-end. 
B) bristles-end. 
C) the same either way.

Question 10

A vertically-held sledge hammer is easier to balance when the heavier end is

Accepted Answer

A) on your hand. 
B) at the top, away from your hand. 
C) the same either way

Question 11

Which of these animals has a quicker stride?

Accepted Answer

A) giraffe 
B) horse 
C) cat 
D) mouse

Question 12

If the rotational speed of a rotating habitat in space increases, the weight experienced by occupants

Accepted Answer

A) decreases. 
B) stays the same. 
C) increases. 
D) is always zero.

Question 13

The gravitational field simulated by rotation in a space habitat that is best suited for humans is

Accepted Answer

A) zero. 
B) g. 
C) one-quarter g. 
D) one-half g. 
E) three-quarters g.

Question 14

When you do somersaults, you'll more easily rotate when your body is

Accepted Answer

A) straight with both arms above your head. 
B) straight with both arms at your sides. 
C) curled into a ball shape. 
D) no difference

Exam 8: Rotational Motion