Physics Unit 8

Question 1

Unit 8 Q:
Is it easier to balance a long rod with a mass attached to it when the mass is closer to your hand or when the mass is farther away?

Answer 1

It is easier when the mass is farther from your hand.

Question 2

Unit 8 Q:
How does the rotational inertia of the rod with the mass toward the bottom compare with the rotational inertia of the mass toward the top?

Answer 2

The rotational inertia of the rod with the mass closer to the top is greater than the rotational inertia of the rod with the mass closer to the bottom.

Question 3

Unit 8 Q:
Why does the rotational inertia of the rod with the attached mass closer to your hand compare the way it does with the rotational inertial of the rod with the attached mass farther away?

Answer 3

Rotational inertia depends on whether the mass is farther or closer to the point of rotation. The farther the mass is, the higher the rotational inertia.

Question 4

Unit 8 Q:
Is it easier for a circus performer to balance a long rod held vertically with people hanging off the other end, or the same long rod without the people at the other end, and why?

Answer 4

It is easier for the performer to balance a long rod held vertically with people at the other end because the rotational inertia is greater.