Question

A uniform rod of mass m has very tiny lead balls, each of mass m, welded to each end. If the rod hangs in empty space, and a force F is applied to the rod, consider three cases: A) The force is applied to the upper lead ball; B) The force is applied halfway between the upper lead ball and the center of mass of the system; C) The force is applied at the center of mass of the system.

Answer 1

Options:

1.Case

C2.It will be the same in all three cases.

3.Case A

4.Case B

Answer:C2. It will be the same in all three cases.

Explanation:In the above scenerio,

F, is the only net force that is acting on the System. Hence, the acceleration of the center of mass (a point in an object where a force can be applied to cause a linear acceleration without leading to an angular acceleration)is the same in each of the cases highlighted.The torque(the rotational equivalent of a linear force) depends on where the force acts.