Chapter 8, Problem 69A

To determine

To explain: The reason for the given specifications to be equivalent to moving the center of mass until it will lie at center of the wheel.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Center of mass of an object is defined as the point at which the sum of weighted relative position of the distributed mass is zero. If the force is applied at this point, then only linear acceleration will be there. It is the mean location of a distribution of mass in space.

Wheels of a car are placed on vertical shaft and weight are added to make wheel horizontal. This is done to balance the wheel so that it is not rotated or not tilted, means it must be in equilibrium.

At equilibrium position, net torque acting on the wheel is zero. The equilibrium of a wheel is located at center of massthat is at pivot point. So, this can be achieved by placing wheel on vertical shaft and adding a weight to make wheel horizontal.