Two masses are connected through a rod on a movable car that can move freely on an inclined surface. The two masses are not of equal distance to the center of the car. The rod connecting the masses can rotate parallel to the track.

Choose the correct answer in part 1 and part 2 and explain your answer:

Part 1:

When the student releases only his left hand and the rod connecting the two masses becomes free to rotate, what will happen?

A- The rod will rotate clockwise when you look from above.

B- The rod will rotate counter-clockwise when you look from above.

C- The rod will not rotate.

Part 2:

When the student releases both his hands and the car becomes free to slide on the track, and the rod becomes free to rotate, what will happen?

A- The rod will rotate clockwise when you look from above.

B- The rod will rotate counter-clockwise when you look from above.

C- The rod will not rotate.

Hint: You may need to read about the Equivalence Principle

Submit your answer with your explanation before 2 June 2007 to Tahmed@kfupm.edu.sa

Prizes are:

• Cannon Scanner,
• HP Color Printer,
• A valuable book by Dr. Zaghloul Alnaggar and a Flash Memory 128 MB

Participation is restricted to KFUPM students