Question

Suppose you are standing on the edge of a spinning platform and step off at right angles to the edge (radially outward). Now consider it the other way. You are standing on the ground next to a spinning carousel and you step onto the platform at right angles to the edge (radially inward).

Options :

(A) There is no change in rotational speed of the carousel in either situation.

(B)There is a change in rotational speed in the first situation but not the second.

(C) There is a change in rotational speed in the second situation but not the first.

(D) There is a change in rotational speed in both instances.

Answer 1

The angular velocity of the carousel remains the same in both situations. Stepping off radially outward or onto the platform radially inward does not change the rotational speed of the carousel.

"The correct option is approximately option A"

Step-by-step explanation:

The angular velocity of the carousel remains the same in both situations. In the first situation, when you step off radially outward, according to the conservation of angular momentum, the radius of the carousel increases, causing a decrease in the angular velocity. However, your stepping off the platform does not change the angular velocity of the carousel itself.

In the second situation, when you step onto the platform radially inward, your action does not affect the angular velocity of the carousel. Angular velocity is determined by the mass distribution and the moment of inertia of the carousel, which are not altered by your step onto the platform.

Therefore, the correct option is (A) There is no change in rotational speed of the carousel in either situation.