Question 23M.3.SL.TZ2.6
Date | May 2023 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 10] | Reference code | 23M.3.SL.TZ2.6 |
Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ2 |
Command term | Calculate, Determine, Outline, Show that | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
A student models a rotating dancer using a system that consists of a vertical cylinder, a horizontal rod and two spheres.
The cylinder rotates from rest about the central vertical axis. A rod passes through the cylinder with a sphere on each side of the cylinder. Each sphere can move along the rod. Initially the spheres are close to the cylinder.
A horizontal force of 50 N is applied perpendicular to the rod at a distance of 0.50 m from the central axis. Another horizontal force of 40 N is applied in the opposite direction at a distance of 0.20 m from the central axis. Air resistance is negligible.
Show that the net torque on the system about the central axis is approximately 30 N m.
[1]
= 50 × 0.5 + 40 × 0.2
OR
33 «Nm» ✓
Accept opposite rotational sign convention

The system rotates from rest and reaches a maximum angular speed of 20 rad s−1 in a time of 5.0 s. Calculate the angular acceleration of the system.
[1]
«α = =» 4 «rad s−2» ✓

Determine the moment of inertia of the system about the central axis.
[2]
OR
33 = × 4 ✓
= 8.25 «kg m2» ✓
Allow ECF from (a) and (b)
Award [2] for a BCA

When the system has reached its maximum angular speed, the two forces are removed. The spheres now move outward, away from the central axis.
Outline why the angular speed ω decreases when the spheres move outward.
[2]
moment of inertia increases ✓
Angular momentum is conserved ✓
Allow algebraic expressions e.g. ω = so ω decreases for MP2

Show that the rotational kinetic energy is Lω where L is the angular momentum of the system.
[1]
Ek «= ω2 =» (ω)ω = Lω ✓
Accept equivalent methods

When the spheres move outward, the angular speed decreases from 20 rad s−1 to 12 rad s−1. Calculate the percentage change in rotational kinetic energy that occurs when the spheres move outward.
[2]
«Ek =» Lω1 = Lω2 ✓
OR
OR
«L is constant so» Ek is proportional to ω ✓
40 % «energy loss» ✓
MP1 is for understanding that angular momentum is constant so change in rotational kinetic energy is proportional to change in angular velocity
Award [0] if E = 0.5 I ω2 is used with the same I value for both values of E
Award [2] for BCA

Outline one reason why this model of a dancer is unrealistic.
[1]
one example specified eg friction, air resistance, mass distribution not modelled ✓
Award [1] for any reasonable physical parameter that is not consistent with the model
