Chapter 12, Problem 24A

Stand two metersticks against the wall and let them topple over. Now put a wad of clay on top of one of the sticks and let them topple again. Which reaches the floor first?

To determine

To identify: The meter stick that would reach the floor first.

Answer to Problem 24A

The bare stick (the stick without clay) will reach first to the floor.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The mass distribution of an object can be determined by the position of the canter of gravity and the angular momentum. When the mass is at the bottom, the stick will have less rotational inertia, so there will be some change in the inertia, as the inertia depends on the distribution of mass of the stick.

If two meter sticks are allowed to topple, and if the wad of clay is placed on the top of one of the meter stick and again allowed them to topple, then the meter stick without clay on the top will reach the floor first. This is because the bare stick has less rotational inertia than the stick with clay. Hence, the bare stick will reach the floor first.