Chapter 12, Problem 26A

To determine

To explain: The reason for the easier balancing of a friend on the top of a vertical pole than an empty pole.

Answer to Problem 26A

The friend on the top provides more rotational inertia.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

More the rotational inertia, the easier it would be to balance.Angular momentum $L$ is always conserved.

  $L=I\omega$

Where $I$ is Rotational inertia and $\omega$ is angular velocity.

Balancing a friend on the top of the performer is easier because the friend provides more rotational inertia to the performer. This leads to the lesser angular velocity of the friend and consecutively easier to balance on the top.

But, in the case of balancing an empty pole, the pole starts rotating at a larger speed compared to the friend. The rotational inertia decreased, which gives momentum to the performer. Rotation creates unbalancing.

Conclusion:

Thus, vertical pole with the friend atthe top has more rotationalinertia, which stabilizes the position and intends to equilibrium.