Question

Students perform an experiment that varies the mass of m². In order for m1 to move at the same radius with a larger m², what must the puck do?

1) Increase its velocity
2) Decrease its velocity
3) Increase its mass
4) Decrease its mass

Answer 1

To maintain the same radius with a larger mass m2, the puck must increase its velocity to provide the necessary centripetal force. The centripetal force is proportional to the mass of the object and the velocity squared, divided by the radius of the circle.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine what the puck must do to maintain a constant radius while varying the mass of m2, we must consider the formulas for centripetal force and circular motion. The centripetal force required to keep an object in circular motion is given by the equation F = (m * v^2) / r, where F is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circle.

If the mass m2 is increased and we want to keep m1 moving in the same circle with constant radius r, and centripetal force is proportional to the mass, the puck must increase its velocity to provide the necessary centripetal force for a larger mass.

It's important to note that this situation would be true as long as there is no change in the force acting towards the center.