A classic vinyl record of radius 15 cm spins at a constant angular rate on a turntable

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Torque and Rotational Dynamics · Torque and Rotational Dynamics

Problem

A classic vinyl record of radius 15 cm spins at a constant angular rate on a turntable. Two tiny insects, A and B, ride on the surface of the record. Insect A is located 3.0 cm from the center, while insect B is 12 cm from the center. (1) Describe qualitatively how the magnitude of the linear speed of a point on the record depends on its distance from the center when the record rotates at a fixed angular rate. (2) Indicate which insect, A or B, has the greater linear speed and provide a clear physical explanation for your choice. (3) Calculate the ratio vB/vAv_B / v_A of the magnitudes of the insects’ linear speeds, showing all reasoning.

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