PHYSICS 151

University of Hawaii, Manoa
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy

Instructor: Michael Nassir
Office: Watanabe Hall, Rm. 426, (808) 956-2922
E-mail: nassir @ hawaii.edu

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ANSWERS to MIDTERM #2 from SPRING 2005

Part A

1a. 0.50 J
1b. 0.50 J
1c. A and D
1d. E
2. B
3a. F
3b. D
3c. A
4. B
5. C
6. C
7a. C
7b. F

Part B

1a. 3.5 m/s
1b. zero (F_tension is perpendicular to path at all times, so theta = 90deg at all times. Thus, W = F*d*cos(theta) = 0.)
1c. 0.50 kg (centripetal force = tension in the cord)

2a. A (Phobos)
2b. A (Phobos)
2c. 7.66 or 7.67 hours
2d.(i.) 2.01 x 10^-6 N
2d.(ii.) 6.67 x 10^-7 N
The gravitational force of Phobos on a Martian is only 3.0 times greater than that exerted by a second Martian standing 1.0 meter away. The gravitational effect of several Martians standing nearby is comparable, if not greater, than the gravitational influence of Phobos. It is therefore invalid to think that the position of moons in the sky has any significant gravitational effect on Martians or their actions. (Any such astrological "influence" would need to invoke some other magical force besides gravitation.)