Physics 121.

6 2007/2008
Assignment 11- Solutions
1. Chapter 11, Problem 36. A puck of mass 80.0 g and radius 4.00 cm slides along
an air table at a speed of 1.50 m/s as shown in Figure P11.36a. It makes a
glancing collision with a second
puck of radius 6.00 cm and mass
120 g (initially at rest) such that
their rims just touch. Because
their rims are coated with
instant-acting glue, the pucks
stick together and spin after the
collision (Fig. P11.36b).
(a) What is the angular momentum of the system relative to the center of mass?
(b) What is the angular speed about the center of mass?

Solution:
(a) At the instant the rims the situation looks
like
So
m y + m2 y2
yCM = 1 1
m1 + m2

y1 = 4.00 cm
0
CM
y2 = 6.00 cm

1.50 m/s

(80 g)(4.00 cm) + (120 g)(6.00 cm)

(80 g + 120 g)
= 2.00 cm
Therefore, just before they stick, the angular momentum relative to the centre of mass is
L = r1m1v1 = (6.00 10 2 m)(80 103 kg)(1.50 m/s) = 7.20 103 kg m 2 /s
=

(b) After they stick together the angular momentum about the CM will be the same.
Since L = I , to find we must find I relative to the CM. For a disk through its centre
the moment of inertia is 12 MR 2 so we can use the parallel axis theorem to find the
moment of inertia relative to the CM. Therefore total moment of inertia is
2
2
2
2
I = 12 m1r1 + m1d1 + 12 m2 r2 + m2 d 2
= 12 (80 10 3 kg)(4.00 10 2 m) 2 + (80 10 3 kg)(6.00 10 2 m) 2
+ 12 (120 10 3 kg)(6.00 10 2 m) 2 + (120 10 3 kg)(4.00 10 2 m) 2
= 7.60 10 4 kg m 2

Therefore =

L 7.20 10 3 kg m 2 /s
=
= 9.47 rad/s
7.60 10 4 kg m 2
I

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

2. To change the direction of the axis of rotation of a spinning object, one must
(A) apply a torque about the axis of rotation.
(B) change the moment of inertia about the axis of rotation
(C) apply a torque about an axis that is not the axis of rotation.
(D) Any of (A), (B) or (C).
(E) None of (A), (B) or (C) will work.

Solution:
dL
, in a time interval t the change in angular momentum is
dt
L = t . Thus the change in angular momentum is in the same direction as the torque.
Thus if the direction of L is to change, the torque vector cannot be in the same direction
as L. Thus the torque must be applied about an axis that does not coincide with the
direction of L. Changing the moment of inertia does not change L at all.
Therefore the answer is C.
Since the torque is =

3. Chapter 12, Problem 16. Sir Lost-a-Lot dons his armour and sets out from the
castle on his trusty steed in his quest to improve communication between damsels
and dragons (Fig. P12.16). Unfortunately his squire lowered the drawbridge too
far and finally stopped it 20.0 below the horizontal. Lost-a-Lot and his horse stop
when their combined center of mass is 1.00 m from
the end of the bridge. [i.e. assume his weight acts
on the bridge at 1.00 m from the end.] The
uniform bridge is 8.00 m long and has mass 2 000
kg. The lift cable is attached to the bridge 5.00 m
from the hinge at the castle end, and to a point on
the castle wall 12.0 m above the bridge. Lost-aLot's mass combined with his armour and steed is
1 000 kg. Determine (a) the tension in the cable
and the (b) horizontal and (c) vertical force
components acting on the bridge at the hinge.

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

Solution:
FBD of forces on bridge:
Length of bridge lB = 8.00 m ,
lT = 5.00 m , lK = 7.00 m .
Mass of bridge = mB = 2000 kg.
Mass of knight, horse and
armour = mK = 1000 kg.
B

y
+

12.0 m

x
Ry
Rx

20

T
lB/2
lT
In order find the components of
T, and the torque due to T, we
need to find the angle the
tension force makes with the
horizontal () and with the
bridge ().

lK

From the right angle triangles in the diagram at right:

a = lT sin 20 = (5.00 m )sin (20) = 1.71 m
b = lT cos 20 = (5.00 m )cos(20) = 4.70 m
a + h 1.71 m + 12.0 m
tan =
=
= 71.1
4.70 m
b
= 20 = 51.1

The moment arm for T is

d = lT sin = (5.00 m)sin(51.1) = 3.89 m

F
F

mBg
mKg

h
d
O

lT

a
20
b

= Rx T cos = 0 c

= Ry + T sin mB g mK g = 0 d

Take torques about hinge, O:

= Td mB g (lB 2)cos 20 mK gl K cos 20 = 0 e

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

(a) From e
m g (l 2 )cos 20 + mK gl K cos 20
T= B B
d
(2000 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 )(4.00 m) cos(20.0) + (1000 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 )(7.00 m) cos(20.0)
=
3.89 m
4
= 3.55 10 N
(b) From c
Rx = T cos = (3.55 104 N)cos(71.1) = 1.15 104 N
(c) From d
Ry = mB g + mK g T sin
= (2000 kg)(9.80 m/s 2 ) + (1000 kg)(9.80 m/s2 ) (3.55 104 N)sin(71.1)
= 4.19 103 N
Thus this component points downward.

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

4. Chapter 12, Problem 8. A mobile is constructed of

light rods, light strings, and beach souvenirs as shown
in Figure P12.8. Determine the masses of the objects
(a) m1, (b) m2, and (c) m3.

Solution:
(a) Consider forces on lowest bar:
y
T1
3.00 cm
4.00 cm
+
O
(12.0 g) g
m1g

= T1 (12.0 g) g m1 g = 0 c
= (12.0 g) g (3.00 cm) m1 g (4.00 cm) = 0 d

(12.0 g)(3.00 cm)

= 9.00 g
(4.00 cm)
(b) From c T1 = (12.0 g) g + m1 g = (12.0 g + 9.00 g) g = (21.0 g) g
Consider forces on second lowest bar:
T
From d m1 =

= T2 m2 g T1 = 0 e
= m2 g (2.00 cm) T1 (5.00 cm) = 0 f

From f
m2 g (2.00 cm) = (21.0 g) g (5.00 cm)

2.00 cm
O

5.00 cm

m2g

(21.0 g)(5.00 cm)

= 52.5 g
(2.00 cm)
(c) From e T2 = m2 g + T1 = (52.5 g) g + (21.0 g) g = (73.5 g) g
Consider forces on top bar:
T3
O = T2 (4.00 cm) m3 g (6.00 cm) = 0 g 4.00 cm 6.00 cm
O
From g
(73.5 g) g (4.00 cm) = m3 g (6.00 cm)
T

+
x
T1

m2 =

(73.5 g)(4.00 cm)

m3 =
= 49.0 g
(6.00 cm)

-5-

y
+
x
m3g

Assignment 11 - Solutions

5. Chapter 12, Problem 39. A uniform sign of weight Fg

and width 2L hangs from a light horizontal beam
hinged at the wall and supported by a cable (Fig.
P12.39). Determine (a) the tension in the cable and
(b) the components of the reaction force exerted by the
wall on the beam, in terms of Fg, d, L, and .

Solution:
FBD of forces on beam.
Note that it is a light beam so we ignore
its weight.
Also the sign is supported by the two
attachment points so half its weight is
supported by each. (Alternatively we could
consider its whole weight to be supported in
its middle.)
We do not know the direction of the
reaction force of magnitude R.
Fx = Rx T cos = 0 c

Fg
d

Fg
2L

= Ry + T sin 12 Fg 12 Fg = 0 d
= Tl 12 Fg d 12 Fg (d + 2 L) = 0 e where l is the lever arm for the tension force.

From the triangle: l = (d + 2 L) sin

(a) From e
T (d + 2 L) sin = 12 Fg (2d + 2 L) = Fg (d + L)
T =

Fg (d + L)
(d + 2 L) sin

(b) From c

Rx = T cos =

Fg (d + L) cos
(d + 2 L) sin

and from d
Ry = Fg T sin = Fg

Fg (d + L)
(d + 2 L) tan

Fg (d + L)
(d + 2 L) sin

sin

d+L

d + 2 L (d + L)
= Fg 1
= Fg

d + 2L
d + 2L

FL
= g
d + 2L

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

6. Chapter 13, Problem 6. During a solar eclipse, the Moon, Earth, and Sun all lie
on the same line, with the Moon between the Earth and the Sun. (a) What force is
exerted by the Sun on the Moon? (b) What force is exerted by the Earth on the
Moon? (c) What force is exerted by the Sun on the Earth? (d) Compare the
answers from parts (a) and (b). Why doesnt the Sun capture the Moon away from
the Earth?

Solution:

rSM
From textbook:
rSE
rSE = 1.496 1011 m,
rEM = 3.84 108 m.
MS = 1.991 1030 kg,
ME = 5.98 1024 kg,
Sun
MM = 7.36 1022 kg.
So rSM = rSE rEM = 1.496 1011 m 3.84 108 m = 1.492 1011 m.

rEM

Moon

Earth

(a) Force exerted by Sun on Moon:

GM S M M (6.67 1011 N m 2 /kg 2 )(1.99 1030 kg)(7.36 1022 kg)
= 4.39 1020 N
=
FSM =
2
2
11
rSM
1.492 10 m
(b) Force exerted by Earth on Moon:
GM E M M (6.67 10 11 N m 2 /kg 2 )(5.98 10 24 kg)(7.36 10 22 kg)
FEM =
=
= 1.99 10 20 N
2
2
8
rEM
(3.84 10 m )
(c) Force exerted by Sun on Earth:
GM S M E (6.67 1011 N m 2 /kg 2 )(1.99 1030 kg)(5.98 1024 kg)
= 3.55 1022 N
=
FSE =
2
2
11
rSE
(1.496 10 m)
(d) The force of the Sun on the Moon is greater than the force of the Earth on the Moon.
The Sun has captured the whole Earth-Moon system. Both the Earth and the Moon orbit
the Sun. In fact the orbit of the Moon is concave towards the Sun at all points with a little
wobble due to the Earth presence (and the same could be said for the Earth).

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

7. Chapter 13, Problem 11. The free-fall acceleration on the surface of the Moon is
about one-sixth that on the surface of the Earth. If the radius of the Moon is about
0.250 RE, find the ratio of their average densities, Moon Earth .

Solution:
For the Earth: Earth =
And g E =

ME
ME
=
3
4
VE
3 RE

GM E
g R
ME = E E
2
G
RE

ME
3g R
3 gE
= E 3E =
3
4
RE
4RE G 4G RE
3
3 gM
Similarly for the Moon: Moon =
4G RM
We know: g M = g E / 6 and RM = 0.250 RE = RE / 4
So:
Moon (g M / RM ) g M RE ( g E / 6) RE 2
=
=
=
= = 0.667
Earth (g E / RE ) g E RM g E ( RE / 4) 3

So Earth =

8. The magnitude of the acceleration of a meteor at a height above the Earths

surface equal to the radius of the Earth is

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

about 2.5 m/s2.

about 4.9 m/s2.
9.8 m/s2.
is greater than 9.8 m/s2.
a value that depends on how the meteor is moving.

Solution:
g=

GM E
at Earths surface.
2
RE

And so at the position of the meteor: g M =

1 GM E g
GM E
GM E
=
=
=
2
2
(2 RE ) 4 RE 2 4
RM

9.8 m/s 2
2.5 m/s 2
4
Answer A.
So g M

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

9. Chapter 13, Problem 18. Neutron stars are extremely dense objects that are
formed from the remnants of supernova explosions. Many rotate very rapidly.
Suppose that the mass of a certain spherical neutron star is twice the mass of the
Sun and its radius is 10.0 km. Determine the greatest possible angular speed it
can have so that the matter at the surface of the star on its equator is just held in
orbit by the gravitational force.

Solution:
For the matter near the surface to be in orbit: Fg = mac .Thus:
GMm
= mac = mr 2
2
r
GM
=
r3
Now M = 2MSun, MSun = 1.99 1030 kg, r = 10.0 km

(6.67 1011 N m 2 /kg 2 )2(1.99 1030 kg)

(1.00 104 m)3

= 1.63 104 rad/s

= 2.59 103 revolutions/s
If the neutron star rotated faster than this, the matter near its surface would be flung off!
Many neutron stars (pulsars) have been found with very high revolution rates. These
observations place limits on the size of these objects.

10. Chapter 13, Problem 22. A spacecraft in the shape of a long cylinder has a
length of 100 m and its mass with occupants is 1 000 kg. It has strayed too close
to a black hole having a mass 100 times that of the Sun (Fig. P13.22). The nose of
the spacecraft points toward the black hole, and the distance between the nose and
the center of the black hole is 10.0 km. (a) Determine the total force on the
spacecraft. (b) What is the difference in the gravitational fields acting on the
occupants in the nose of the ship and on those in the rear of the ship, farthest from
the black hole? This difference
in accelerations grows rapidly as
the ship approaches the black
hole. It puts the body of the ship
under extreme tension and
eventually tears it apart.

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

Solution:
(a) The distance of the centre of mass of the spacecraft from the black hole is
r = 10.0 km + 50 m = 1.005 104 m. M = 100MSun.
Total force on Spacecraft is:
GMm (6.67 1011 N m 2 /kg 2 )(100)(1.99 1030 kg)(1000 kg)
Fg = 2 =
= 1.31 1017 N
r
(1.005 104 m)2
GM
GM
, rfront = 1.000 104 m, rback = 1.010 104 m.
and g back =
g front =
2
2
(rfront )
(rback )
g = g front g back

1
(rback )2 (rfront )2
1

= GM

= GM
(r )2 (r )2
(r r )2
back
front back
front

) (
)(

1.01 104 m 2 1.00 10 4 m 2

g = (6.67 10 N m /kg )(100)(1.99 10 kg)

4
4 2

1
.
01
10
m
1
.
00
10

12
12
2
g = 2.62 10 N/kg = 2.62 10 m/s
A very large difference in the acceleration of the front of the spacecraft relative to the
back! Thus the spaceship will be torn apart.
11

30

((

))

11. Chapter 13, Problem 26. At the Earth's surface a projectile is launched straight
up at a speed of 10.0 km/s. To what height will it rise? Ignore air resistance and
the rotation of the Earth.

Solution:
Conservation of Energy:
Ki + U i = K f + U f

h
RE

GM E m 1
GM E m
1
2
2
mvi
= mv f
RE
rf
2
2

rf

1 2 GM E
GM E
vi
=
2
RE
rf
2

vf = 0

vi

1
1
vi
=

rf RE 2GM E

1
(10.0 103 m/s)2

rf =
6
2
2
24
11
(6.37 10 m) 2(6.67 10 N m /kg )(5.98 10 kg)
= 3.16 107 m
So height above Earth is
h = rf RE = 3.16 107 m 6.37 106 m = 2.52 107 m.

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

12. Chapter 13, Problem 38. A satellite moves around the Earth in a circular orbit of
radius r. (a) What is the speed v0 of the satellite? Suddenly, an explosion breaks
the satellite into two pieces, with masses m and 4m. Immediately after the
explosion the smaller piece of mass m is stationary with respect to the Earth and
falls directly toward the Earth. (b) What is the speed vi of the larger piece
immediately after the explosion? (c) Because of the increase in its speed, this
larger piece now moves in a new elliptical orbit. Find its distance away from the
center of the Earth when it reaches the other end of the ellipse.

Solution:
(a) Circular orbit: Mass of satellite is ms = 5m.
Fg = ms ac
GM E ms
v

= ms 0
2
r
r
GM E
v0 =
r

v0

ms
ME

(b) Conservation of momentum:

5mv0 = m(0) + 4mvi

Before

After
vi

v0

vi = 54 v0

4m
5m

(c) The initial position will be where the satellite piece is closest to Earth. Using
conservation of angular momentum:
r 4mvi = rf 4mv f rf v f = rvi c
Conservation of Energy: K i + U i = K f + U f
1
2

(4m)vi
2

vi
2

GM E 4m 1
GM E 4m
2
= 2 ( 4m)v f
r
rf

2GM E
2GM E
2
d
= vf
r
rf

From c v f =
vi
2

r
vi
rf

2GM E r 2 2 2GM E
= 2 vi
r
rf
rf

- 11 -

rf
vf

r
ME

vi
4m

Assignment 11 - Solutions

25 2 25 GM E
, so:
v0 =
16
16 r
25 GM E 2GM E r 2 25 GM E 2GM E

= 2

r
rf
16 r
rf 16 r

Also from (b) and (a): vi =

2

r
25
25 r 2
2=
2
2
rf
16
16 rf

r
25 r 2
7

2 + =0
2
rf 16
16 rf
7rf 32rrf + 25r 2 = 0
2

(32r ) (32r ) 2 4(7)(25r 2 ) 32r 324r 2 32 18

=
=
r
2(7)
14
14
50
Thus: rf = r or 14
r , the first result is the initial value so the final value is
rf =

rf =

25
7

r.

13. If Martian Orbiter I is sailing around the planet in a circle which has an orbital
radius nine times that of Martian Orbiter II, whos speed is v2, what is the speed
of Martian Orbiter I?
(A) 19 v2
(B) 13 v2
(C) v2
(D) 3v2
(E) 81v2

Solution:
For a circular orbit for Martian Orbiter I:
GM M m1
v12
= m1ac = m1
where v1 is its speed, m1 is its mass and r1 is its orbit radius.
r12
r1
GM M
r1
Similarly for Martian Orbiter II:
GM M
v2 =
r2
Therefore,
v1
r
= 2 and since r1 = 9r2,
v2
r1
v1 =

v1
r2
=
=
9r2
v2
Answer B.

1
3

v1 = 13 v2

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

14. Chapter 13, Problem 52. The maximum distance from the Earth to the Sun (at
aphelion) is 1.521 1011 m, and the distance of closest approach (at perihelion) is
1.471 1011 m. The Earths orbital speed at perihelion is 3.027 104 m/s.
Determine (a) the Earths orbital speed at aphelion [do not use energy
conservation to do this part], (b) the kinetic and potential energies of the EarthSun system at perihelion, and (c) the kinetic and potential energies at aphelion. Is
the total energy of the system constant? (Ignore the effect of the Moon and other
planets.)

Solution:
(a) Conservation of Angular
Momentum
Let m = mass of Earth =
5.98 1024 kg
La = L p

va

perihelion

ra mva = rp mv p
va =

va =

rp
ra

Sun
rp

ra

aphelion

vp

vp

(1.471 1011 m)(3.027 104 m/s)

(1.521 1011 m)

= 2.927 104 m/s

(b) At perihelion:
K p = 12 mv 2p = 12 (5.98 1024 kg)(3.027 10 4 kg) 2 = 2.74 1033 J

(6.67 1011 N.m 2 /kg 2 )(1.99 1030 kg)(5.98 1024 kg)

GM S m
Up =
=
= 5.40 1033 J
11
(1.471 10 m)
rp
(c) At aphelion:
K a = 12 mva2 = 12 (5.98 1024 kg)(2.927 104 kg) 2 = 2.56 1033 J
Ua =

(6.67 1011 N.m 2 /kg 2 )(1.99 1030 kg)(5.98 1024 kg)

GM S m
=
= 5.22 1033 J
(1.521 1011 m)
ra

Total energy at perihelion: E p = K p + U p = 2.66 1055 J

Total energy at aphelion: Ea = K a + U a = 2.66 1055 J
They agree, so we see that the total mechanical energy is indeed conserved as we expect
since there are no external forces doing work on the Sun-Earth system.
Note: We have ignored the kinetic energy of the Sun in this calculation. The Sun does
have some motion as the Sun-Earth system actually rotates about the centre of mass of
the Sun-Earth system. But, since the mass of the Sun is so much larger than the mass of
the Earth, its speed is small and so its kinetic energy is negligible.

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

15. Chapter 14, Problem 4. What is the total mass of the Earths atmosphere? (The
radius of the Earth is 6.37 106 m, and atmospheric pressure at the Earths
surface is 1.013 105 Pa.) [This is an estimate only. You can ignore the
mountains and treat the Earth as a sphere. The atmosphere is not very thick
compared to the radius of the Earth so you may assume that the acceleration due
to gravity is approximately constant, at 9.8 m/s2, throughout the height of the
atmosphere.]

Solution:
We assume that the pressure at the Earths surface is the total weight of the atmosphere
spread over the surface area of the Earth. i.e.
mg
P0 =
, where m is to total mass of the atmosphere, and assuming g does not change
A
much with height. If the radius of the Earth is r, A = 4r 2 . So
mg
P0 =
4r 2
4r 2 P0 4 (6.37 106 m)2 (1.013 105 Pa)
m=
=
= 5.3 1018 kg
2
(9.80 m/s )
g

16. Chapter 14, Problem 14. Figure P14.14 shows Superman

attempting to drink water through a very long straw. With his
great strength he achieves maximum possible suction. The
walls of the tubular straw do not collapse. (a) Find the
maximum height through which he can lift the water. (b)
What If? Still thirsty, the Man of Steel repeats his attempt on
the Moon, which has no atmosphere. Find the difference
between the water levels inside and outside the straw.

Solution:
(a) With maximum possible suction there will be a vacuum at the top
of the tube. In this case the pressure at the top is zero. Pressure at the
bottom is atmospheric pressure PA.
P = P0 + gh
PA = 0 + gh

P0 = 0

1.01105 Pa
PA
h
=
= 10.3 m
g (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.80 m/s 2 )
P = PA
(b) On the moon there is no atmosphere, so both P and P0 are zero.
Thus h = 0.
This is a clear illustration that on the Earth it is there air pressure that pushes the water up
the straw, not the vacuum that pulls it up. On the Moon there is no atmosphere to do the
pushing.
h=

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

17. Chapter 14, Problem 16. Mercury is poured into a U-tube as in Figure P14.18a.
The left arm of the tube has crosssectional area A1 of 10.0 cm2, and the
right arm has a cross-sectional area A2 of
5.00 cm2. One hundred grams of water
are then poured into the right arm as in
Figure P14.18b. (a) Determine the length
of the water column in the right arm of
the U-tube. (b) Given that the density of
mercury is 13.6 g/cm3, what distance h
does the mercury rise in the left arm?

Solution:
(a) Mass of water column: m = V = A2 hw where hw = height of water column, =
density of water.
(100 g)
m
hw =
=
= 20.0 cm
A2 (1.00 m/cm3 )(5.00 cm 2 )
P0
A2
A
(b) The right hand column of mercury has been
P0 1
depressed by a height h2 and the left hand column
h
h1
hw original
of mercury has risen by height h. A volume
h
2
height
( A2 h2 ) has been displaced by water in the right
P
P
hand column. This must be equal to the
additional volume of mercury in the left hand
column ( A1h ).
So A1h = A2 h2 c
The pressure at the top of the mercury in the right had column (P) must be equal to the
pressure in the mercury at the same level in the left hand column.
In the right hand column of water:
P = P0 + ghw d
In the left hand column of mercury:
P = P0 + Hg gh1 e
A

A1
h + h = 1 + 1h
A1
A2

Equating d and e and inserting h1:

A + A2
A

h
ghw = Hg gh1 = Hg g 1 + 1h = Hg g 1
A2

A2

Noting that from c h1 = h2 + h =

hw

(1.00 g/cm3 )(20.0 cm)

h=
=
= 0.490 cm
2
A1

3 10.0 cm
+ 1
Hg + 1 (13.6 g/cm )
2
5.00 cm

A2

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Assignment 11 - Solutions

18. Suppose you stick a drinking straw into a deep cup of liquid, tightly cover the
upper end with a finger, then raise the straw up and out of the liquid.
(A) The liquid will always run out of the straw.
(B) Some liquid stays in the straw, but its level initially drops.
(C) The liquid will all stay in the straw.
(D) The result depends on the type of liquid.

Solution:
Some liquid will begin to run out of the straw. As it does so
volume between the top of the liquid and your finger increases,
and so the pressure in that volume will decrease since no air
can enter. Soon the pressure in this volume will be low enough
so that the pressure difference between the bottom and the top
of the liquid in the straw will be enough to support it. Try it!

P < Patm

straw
h

Answer B.

Patm

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