Merry-go-round => what is conserved?

  • Thread starter TwinGemini14
  • Start date
In summary, the conservation of linear momentum and angular momentum are both applicable in this problem, as the boy's initial velocity is tangent to the edge of the merry-go-round and there is a force from the hub that resists linear motion when the boy jumps onto the outer edge. Therefore, the correct answer is D) linear momentum and angular momentum.
  • #1
TwinGemini14
34
0
A boy of mass m = 40 kg running with speed v = 4 m/s jumps onto the outer edge of a merry-go-round of mass M = 160 kg and radius R = 1.8 m, as shown in the picture above. The merry-go-round is initially at rest, and can rotate about a frictionless pivot at its center. You may assume that the inital velocity of the boy is tangent to the edge of the merry-go round.

Which of the following quantities are conserved throughout this problem for the system consisting of the boy and the merry-go-round?

A) only kinetic energy
B) kinetic energy and angular momentum
C) only linear momentum
D) linear momentum and angular momentum
E) only angular momentum

-------
I believe the answer is D, linear momentum AND angular momentum because both are conserved regardless of an inelastic or elastic collision right?

::
Can somebody please check out my answer and help me if it is wrong? Thank you very much in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Wait, wouldn't only the angular momentum be conserved since the boy's velocity changes after contact with the merry-go-round?

So only the angular momentum is conserved?
 
  • #3
It's an inelastic collision, so there's goes thinking kinetic energy would be conserved.

For linear momentum, when the boy contacts the rim of the go-round there is a force coming from the hub that resists the linear motion, but not the angular momentum. I think your choice of angular momentum only would be the correct answer.
 

Related to Merry-go-round => what is conserved?

1. What is conserved on a merry-go-round?

On a merry-go-round, angular momentum is conserved. This means that the amount of rotational motion remains constant as long as there are no external torques acting on the system.

2. Why is angular momentum conserved on a merry-go-round?

Angular momentum is conserved on a merry-go-round because of the Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum, which states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external torque.

3. How does the speed of a merry-go-round affect conservation?

The speed of a merry-go-round does not affect conservation of angular momentum. As long as there are no external torques acting on the system, the amount of angular momentum will remain constant, regardless of the speed of the merry-go-round.

4. Is energy conserved on a merry-go-round?

Yes, energy is also conserved on a merry-go-round. The rotational kinetic energy of the system remains constant as long as there are no external torques acting on the system. This is due to the Law of Conservation of Energy.

5. How does the distribution of mass on a merry-go-round affect conservation?

The distribution of mass on a merry-go-round does not affect conservation of angular momentum. As long as there are no external torques acting on the system, the amount of angular momentum will remain constant, regardless of the distribution of mass on the merry-go-round.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
111
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
Back
Top