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F = ma (11–17)
Momentum
FMA-2026-11 · 2026 F = ma (AAPT)

2026 F = ma Exam — Question 11

A circular track of mass m lies flat horizontally on a frictionless table and is free to move on it. A bead also of mass m can slide without friction on the track. The track is initially at rest, and it is labeled every 45° with tick marks. The bead is placed on tick 1 and is given an initial velocity ⃗v0 tangential to the track as shown below. 5 4 6 3 7 O 2 8 1 bead ⃗v0 What is the speed of the track’s center O when the bead reaches tick 3?
Source: Question 11, 2026 F = ma Exam, © 2026 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.