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FMA-2011-24 · 2011 F = ma (AAPT)

2011 F = ma Exam — Question 24

24. A turntable is supported on a Teflon ring of inner radius R and outer radius R+δ (δ ≪R), as shown in the diagram. To rotate the turntable at a constant rate, power must be supplied to overcome friction. The manufacturer of the turntable wishes to reduce the power required without changing the rotation rate, the weight of the turntable, or the coefficient of friction of the Teflon surface. Engineers propose two solutions: increasing the width of the bearing (increasing δ), or increasing the radius (increasing R). What are the effects of these proposed changes? R
Source: Question 24, 2011 F = ma Exam, © 2011 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.