A bicycle wheel of radius 0.35 m and mass 2.5 kg rolls without slipping in a straight…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Problem
A bicycle wheel of radius 0.35 m and mass 2.5 kg rolls without slipping in a straight line across a level road at a constant speed of 4.0 m/s. Treat the wheel as a thin hoop (all mass concentrated at the rim). Consider two different points of reference:
• Point O: the instantaneous point of contact between the wheel and the road.
• Point C: the center of the wheel.
Assume positive angular momentum is directed out of the plane of the wheel (using the right-hand rule).
(a) For each reference point (O and C), describe qualitatively the two distinct contributions to the wheel’s total angular momentum and identify the physical origin of each contribution.
(b) Without performing detailed calculations, explain whether the magnitudes of the two contributions at point O are equal, unequal, or whether one of them is zero. Support your answer with clear reasoning that refers to relevant physical quantities.