Final answer:
To produce the maximum negative acceleration on a spinning wheel with a constant force, the force should be applied at the outer edge of the wheel, providing maximum torque and angular deceleration.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you want to stop a spinning wheel with a constant force and produce the maximum negative acceleration, the force should be applied at the point that has the highest tangential speed.
According to Newton's Second Law for Rotation, this would be at the outer edge of the wheel, which corresponds to option b. Applying the force at the outer edge maximizes the torque, which is the product of the force and the distance from the axis of rotation (lever arm). Maximum torque results in the maximum angular deceleration of the wheel.
If you were to stop a spinning wheel with a constant force, you would apply the force at the top of the wheel to produce the maximum negative acceleration.
When a wheel is spinning, the particles on the top are moving in the direction opposite to the desired acceleration. By applying the force at the top, you are opposing the motion of these particles and causing the wheel to decelerate faster.