Goal: Problem solving and developing strategic knowledge
Source: UMPERG-ctqpe100
You are given this problem:
A
mass m slides down a frictionless track of radius R=0.5m. Relative to
the center of curvature, what is the angular acceleration of the mass as
it reaches the bottom of the track.
What principle would you use to solve the problem MOST
EFFICIENTLY.
- Kinematics only
- F = ma or Newton’s laws
- Work-Energy theorem
- Impulse-Momentum theorem
- Angular Impulse-Angular Momentum
- 1 & 2
- 1 & 3
- 2 & 3
- none of the above
- not enough information given
Commentary:
Answer
(7) Students often think this problem requires angular momentum
or angular dynamics. Many cue on anything circular. Some students may
answer #10 thinking that the mass is needed.