Question

Which of the following motions should be correctly analyzed using the torque version of Newton's 2nd law? Circle all that apply. (Provide a quick explanation of why)

a. a car slows to a stop as it approaches a traffic light on a straight road.

b. a car travels around a circular path.

c. a car travels around a circular path on a banked road.

d. the tires of a car spin at a decreasing rate as the car approaches a traffic light.

e. the tires of a car spin at a constant rate as the car goes around a curve.

Answer 1

Options (a), (b), (c) are translational motions, which can be solved by newton's second law without rotation.

Options (d) and (e) are based on rotational dynamics

Answers (d), (e)