A laboratory on Earth uses a cylindrical metal block of unknown material as a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A laboratory on Earth uses a cylindrical metal block of unknown material as a standard mass. The block shows a weight of 98 N on an accurately calibrated spring balance in the laboratory. The block is later taken to a research station on Jupiter’s moon Ganymede, where the surface acceleration due to gravity is 1.43ms−2. The scientists there need to use the same block as a reference to calibrate their instruments.
(i) Determine the mass of the cylindrical block.
(ii) Calculate the block’s weight when it is at rest on the surface of Ganymede.
(iii) The scientists attach the block to a vertical spring in simple harmonic motion experiments on Ganymede. Explain qualitatively how the period of vertical oscillations would compare with that measured in the Earth laboratory, assuming the spring constant remains unchanged.
(iv) To use the block as a standard of mass rather than weight, the scientists plan to construct an equal-arm balance. Outline the principle of operation of such a device and justify why it gives the same mass reading irrespective of the celestial body on which it is used.