| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \[ U_i = m_z g (2.5) + m_y g (0) \] | Initial gravitational potential energy is only from \(m_z\) at a height of 2.5 m since \(m_y\) is on the ground. |
| 2 | \[ U_f = m_z g (0) + m_y g (2.5) \] | Final gravitational potential energy has \(m_y\) raised 2.5 m while \(m_z\) reaches the ground. |
| 3 | \[ \Delta U = U_f – U_i = (m_y – m_z)g (2.5) \] | The change in potential energy is the difference between the final and initial energies. Since \(m_y < m_z\) the result is negative, indicating energy conversion to kinetic energy. |
| 4 | \[ KE_{\text{total}} = \frac{1}{2}(m_z+m_y)v^2 + \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2 \] | The total kinetic energy is the sum of the translational kinetic energies of both masses and the rotational kinetic energy of the pulley. |
| 5 | \[ I = \frac{1}{2}MR^2 \quad \text{and} \quad \omega = \frac{v}{R} \] | For a uniform cylinder, the moment of inertia is \(\frac{1}{2}MR^2\), and the no-slip condition gives \(\omega = v/R\). |
| 6 | \[ KE_{\text{pulley}} = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{2}MR^2\right)\left(\frac{v}{R}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{4}Mv^2 \] | This expresses the pulley’s rotational kinetic energy in terms of \(v\). |
| 7 | \[ (m_z-m_y)g(2.5) = \frac{1}{2}(m_z+m_y)v^2 + \frac{1}{4}Mv^2 \] | Conservation of energy requires the loss in gravitational potential energy to equal the gain in kinetic energy. |
| 8 | \[ v^2 = \frac{(m_z-m_y)g(2.5)}{\frac{1}{2}(m_z+m_y) + \frac{1}{4}M} \] | Algebraically solving for \(v^2\) isolates the speed in terms of the given masses, gravity, and pulley mass. |
| 9 | \[ v = \sqrt{\frac{(38-32)(9.8)(2.5)}{\frac{1}{2}(32+38) + \frac{1}{4}(3.1)}} \] | Substitute \(m_z=38\) kg, \(m_y=32\) kg, and \(M=3.1\) kg. The numerator is \(6\cdot9.8\cdot2.5=147\) and the denominator is \(35+0.775=35.775\). |
| 10 | \[ v \approx \sqrt{\frac{147}{35.775}} \approx \sqrt{4.107} \approx 2.03 \text{ m/s} \] | Taking the square root gives the speed of \(m_z\) just before impact. |
| 11 | \[ \boxed{v = 2.03 \text{ m/s}} \] | This is the final answer using energy conservation. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \[ m_zg – T_z = m_za \] | For the falling mass \(m_z\), the net force is its weight minus the tension \(T_z\). |
| 2 | \[ T_y – m_yg = m_ya \] | For the rising mass \(m_y\), the net force is the tension \(T_y\) minus its weight. |
| 3 | \[ (T_z – T_y)R = I\alpha \] | The difference in tension produces a net torque on the pulley. With \(\alpha = \frac{a}{R}\) (no slip), this relates linear acceleration to angular acceleration. |
| 4 | \[ I = \frac{1}{2}MR^2 \quad \text{and} \quad \alpha = \frac{a}{R} \] | Substitute the moment of inertia for a uniform cylinder and express \(\alpha\) in terms of \(a\). |
| 5 | \[ T_z – T_y = \frac{1}{2}Ma \] | Simplify the torque equation using the expression for \(I\): \((T_z-T_y)R = \frac{1}{2}MR^2\cdot\frac{a}{R}\) leads to this equation. |
| 6 | \[ T_z = m_zg – m_za \quad \text{and} \quad T_y = m_yg + m_ya \] | Express tensions from the force equations for each mass. |
| 7 | \[ (m_z-g – m_z\,a) – (m_yg + m_ya) = (m_z-m_y)g – (m_z+m_y)a = \frac{1}{2}Ma \] | Subtracting the two tension expressions gives a relation between \(a\) and the masses. |
| 8 | \[ a = \frac{(m_z-m_y)g}{(m_z+m_y)+\frac{1}{2}M} \] | Rearrange the equation to solve for the linear acceleration \(a\). |
| 9 | \[ a = \frac{(38-32)\,9.8}{(38+32)+\frac{1}{2}(3.1)} = \frac{6\cdot9.8}{70+1.55} \] | Substitute \(m_z=38\) kg, \(m_y=32\) kg, and \(M=3.1\) kg. The denominator becomes \(70+1.55=71.55\) and the numerator is \(58.8\). |
| 10 | \[ a \approx \frac{58.8}{71.55} \approx 0.821 \text{ m/s}^2 \] | This yields the acceleration of the masses. |
| 11 | \[ v^2 = 2a\Delta x \quad \text{with} \quad \Delta x = 2.5 \text{ m} \] | Use the kinematic equation for constant acceleration, where \(\Delta x\) is the distance \(m_z\) falls. |
| 12 | \[ v = \sqrt{2(0.821)(2.5)} \approx \sqrt{4.105} \approx 2.03 \text{ m/s} \] | Taking the square root gives the final speed of \(m_z\), which verifies the answer from part (a). |
| 13 | \[ \boxed{v = 2.03 \text{ m/s}} \] | This confirms the speed obtained using the forces, torque, and kinematics method. |
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A massless rigid rod of length \(3d\) is pivoted at a fixed point \(W\), and two forces each of magnitude \(F\) are applied vertically upward as shown above. A third vertical force of magnitude \(F\) may be applied, either upward or downward, at one of the labeled points. With the proper choice of direction at each point, the rod can be in equilibrium if the third force of magnitude \(F\) is applied at point?
Two masses, \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \), are suspended on either side of a pulley with a radius \( R \), as shown. The heavier mass, \( m_2 \), is initially held at rest above the ground by a distance \( h \) before being released. An student measures that it takes an amount of time \( t \) for the heavier mass to hit the ground after being released.

A ball of radius \( r \) rolls on the inside of a circular track of radius \( R \). If the ball starts from rest at the left vertical edge of the track, what will be its speed when it reaches the lowest point of the track, rolling without slipping? For a solid spherical ball, the moment of inertia is \(\frac{2}{5} m r^2\).
A windmill blade with a rotational inertia of \( 6.0 \) \( \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \) has an initial angular velocity of \( 8 \) \( \text{rad/s} \) in the clockwise direction. It is then given an angular acceleration of \( 4 \) \( \text{rad/s}^2 \) in the clockwise direction for \( 10 \) seconds. What is the change in rotational kinetic energy of the blade over this time interval?

A \( 50 \, \text{kg} \) person is sitting on a seesaw \( 1.2 \, \text{m} \) from the balance point. On the other side, a \( 70 \, \text{kg} \) person is balanced. How far from the balance point is the second person sitting?

The axle (the black dot) in Figure 1 is half the distance from the center to the rim. Suppose \( d = 30 \) \( \text{cm} \). What is the torque that the axle must apply to prevent the disk from rotating? Express your answer in newton-meters. Use positive value for the counterclockwise torque and negative value for the clockwise torque.
A wheel of moment of inertia of \( 5.00 \) \( \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \) starts from rest and accelerates under a constant torque of \( 3.00 \) \( \text{N} \cdot \text{m} \) for \( 8.0 \) \( \text{s} \). What is the wheel’s rotational kinetic energy at the end of \( 8.0 \) \( \text{s} \)?
The moment of inertia of a uniform solid sphere (mass \( M \), radius \( R \)) about a diameter is \( \frac{2}{5}MR^2 \). The sphere is placed on an inclined plane (angle \( \theta \)) and released from rest.

Three masses are attached to a \( 1.5 \, \text{m} \) long massless bar. Mass 1 is \( 2 \, \text{kg} \) and is attached to the far left side of the bar. Mass 2 is \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) and is attached to the far right side of the bar. Mass 3 is \( 4 \, \text{kg} \) and is attached to the middle of the bar. At what distance from the far left side of the bar can a string be attached to hold the bar up horizontally?
A solid ball and a cylinder roll down an inclined plane. Which reaches the bottom first?
\(2.03 \text{ m/s}\)
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| Kinematics | Forces |
|---|---|
| \(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\) | \(F = ma\) |
| \(v = v_i + at\) | \(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\) |
| \(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\) | \(f = \mu N\) |
| \(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\) | \(F_s =-kx\) |
| \(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\) |
| Circular Motion | Energy |
|---|---|
| \(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\) | \(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\) |
| \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\) | \(PE = mgh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\) | \(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\) |
| \(W = Fd \cos\theta\) |
| Momentum | Torque and Rotations |
|---|---|
| \(p = mv\) | \(\tau = r \cdot F \cdot \sin(\theta)\) |
| \(J = \Delta p\) | \(I = \sum mr^2\) |
| \(p_i = p_f\) | \(L = I \cdot \omega\) |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | Fluids |
|---|---|
| \(F = -kx\) | \(P = \frac{F}{A}\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\) | \(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\) | \(Q = Av\) |
| \(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\) | \(F_b = \rho V g\) |
| \(a = -\omega^2 x\) | \(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\) |
| Constant | Description |
|---|---|
| [katex]g[/katex] | Acceleration due to gravity, typically [katex]9.8 , \text{m/s}^2[/katex] on Earth’s surface |
| [katex]G[/katex] | Universal Gravitational Constant, [katex]6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2[/katex] |
| [katex]\mu_k[/katex] and [katex]\mu_s[/katex] | Coefficients of kinetic ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) and static ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) friction, dimensionless. Static friction ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) is usually greater than kinetic friction ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) as it resists the start of motion. |
| [katex]k[/katex] | Spring constant, in [katex]\text{N/m}[/katex] |
| [katex] M_E = 5.972 \times 10^{24} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Earth |
| [katex] M_M = 7.348 \times 10^{22} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Moon |
| [katex] M_M = 1.989 \times 10^{30} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Sun |
| Variable | SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]s[/katex] (Displacement) | [katex]\text{meters (m)}[/katex] |
| [katex]v[/katex] (Velocity) | [katex]\text{meters per second (m/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]a[/katex] (Acceleration) | [katex]\text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]t[/katex] (Time) | [katex]\text{seconds (s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]m[/katex] (Mass) | [katex]\text{kilograms (kg)}[/katex] |
| Variable | Derived SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]F[/katex] (Force) | [katex]\text{newtons (N)}[/katex] |
| [katex]E[/katex], [katex]PE[/katex], [katex]KE[/katex] (Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy) | [katex]\text{joules (J)}[/katex] |
| [katex]P[/katex] (Power) | [katex]\text{watts (W)}[/katex] |
| [katex]p[/katex] (Momentum) | [katex]\text{kilogram meters per second (kgm/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\omega[/katex] (Angular Velocity) | [katex]\text{radians per second (rad/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\tau[/katex] (Torque) | [katex]\text{newton meters (Nm)}[/katex] |
| [katex]I[/katex] (Moment of Inertia) | [katex]\text{kilogram meter squared (kgm}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]f[/katex] (Frequency) | [katex]\text{hertz (Hz)}[/katex] |
Metric Prefixes
Example of using unit analysis: Convert 5 kilometers to millimeters.
Start with the given measurement: [katex]\text{5 km}[/katex]
Use the conversion factors for kilometers to meters and meters to millimeters: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}}[/katex]
Perform the multiplication: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}} = 5 \times 10^3 \times 10^3 \, \text{mm}[/katex]
Simplify to get the final answer: [katex]\boxed{5 \times 10^6 \, \text{mm}}[/katex]
Prefix | Symbol | Power of Ten | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
Pico- | p | [katex]10^{-12}[/katex] | 0.000000000001 |
Nano- | n | [katex]10^{-9}[/katex] | 0.000000001 |
Micro- | µ | [katex]10^{-6}[/katex] | 0.000001 |
Milli- | m | [katex]10^{-3}[/katex] | 0.001 |
Centi- | c | [katex]10^{-2}[/katex] | 0.01 |
Deci- | d | [katex]10^{-1}[/katex] | 0.1 |
(Base unit) | – | [katex]10^{0}[/katex] | 1 |
Deca- or Deka- | da | [katex]10^{1}[/katex] | 10 |
Hecto- | h | [katex]10^{2}[/katex] | 100 |
Kilo- | k | [katex]10^{3}[/katex] | 1,000 |
Mega- | M | [katex]10^{6}[/katex] | 1,000,000 |
Giga- | G | [katex]10^{9}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000 |
Tera- | T | [katex]10^{12}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000,000 |
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