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F = ma (Final Problems)
Kinematics
FMA-2022A-20 · 2022A F = ma (AAPT)

2022 F = ma Exam A — Question 20

A bead is threaded on a frictionless wire and launched horizontally from height h with speed v0 , as shown. If the shape of the wire is steep, as in curve I, then the normal force from the wire on the bead will point inward. If it is shallow, as in curve II, then the normal force will point outward. v0 N h N I II d There is exactly one possible shape of wire, shown as a dotted line, for which the normal force of the wire on the bead is always equal to zero. What is the horizontal displacement d of the bead when it travels along this wire? r
Source: Question 20, 2022 F = ma Exam A, © 2022 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.