A high-speed camera records a wheel moving to the right across level ground
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Problem
A high-speed camera records a wheel moving to the right across level ground. At one instant, the point on the rim farthest from the ground is measured to move at 4m/s relative to Earth, while the wheel’s center of mass moves at 2m/s in the same direction. Which statement best describes the wheel’s motion at that instant?
(a) The wheel is rolling with slipping because the rim point is moving faster than the center.
(b) The wheel is rolling without slipping since the top point’s speed equals twice the center’s speed, satisfying vtop=2vcm for pure rolling.
(c) The wheel is rolling with slipping because, for pure rolling, the top point would have to move at three times the center’s speed.
(d) The wheel is rolling with slipping; the given speeds imply the bottom point is moving left relative to Earth rather than being at rest.