A circus performer rotates a 300 g flat plate on a thin rod by applying a force of 20…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Torque and Rotational Dynamics · Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Problem
A circus performer rotates a 300 g flat plate on a thin rod by applying a force of 20 N tangentially to its rim. The plate's radius is 20.0 cm.
(a) The moment of inertia of the plate is given by I=21MR2 . Calculate the angular acceleration of the plate.
(b) As the plate rotates, the circus performer drops a 120 g lump of mashed potato onto it, 12 cm from the axis of rotation. The potato sticks to the plate. He continues to apply the same force. Calculate the new angular acceleration.