PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Torque and Rotational Dynamics · Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Problem
Inside a large cylindrical water tank, an inspection robot drives along the inner wall on wheels that do not slip. Starting from a painted reference line, the robot’s onboard sensor reports that its angular position about the tank’s central axis has changed by 2.00 rad when it has traveled 9.00 m along the wall.
(a) Determine the interior radius of the tank.
(b) The robot then travels an additional 75° along the wall. Calculate the extra linear distance it covers during this portion of the motion.
(c) While completing the 75° portion, the robot maintains a constant angular speed of 0.50 rad s⁻¹. Calculate its linear speed for this interval.