Questions from Modern Physics

Q: When rubber mounting blocks are used to absorb machine vibrations through elastic

When rubber mounting blocks are used to absorb machine vibrations through elastic hysteresis, as mentioned in Section 11.5, what becomes of the energy associated with the vibrations?

Q: In a common design for a gyroscope, the flywheel and flywheel

In a common design for a gyroscope, the flywheel and flywheel axis are enclosed in a light, spherical frame with the flywheel at the center of the frame. The gyroscope is then balanced on top of a piv...

Q: Compare the mechanical properties of a steel cable, made by twisting

Compare the mechanical properties of a steel cable, made by twisting many thin wires together, with the properties of a solid steel rod of the same diameter. What advantages does each have?

Q: A gyroscope takes 3.8 s to precess 1.0

A gyroscope takes 3.8 s to precess 1.0 revolution about a vertical axis. Two minutes later, it takes only 1.9 s to precess 1.0 revolution. No one has touched the gyroscope. Explain.

Q: A gyroscope is precessing as in Fig. 10.32.

A gyroscope is precessing as in Fig. 10.32. What happens if you gently add some weight to the end of the flywheel axis farthest from the pivot? Fig. 10.32:

Q: The material in human bones and elephant bones is essentially the same

The material in human bones and elephant bones is essentially the same, but an elephant has much thicker legs. Explain why, in terms of breaking stress.

Q: There is a small but appreciable amount of elastic hysteresis in the

There is a small but appreciable amount of elastic hysteresis in the large tendon at the back of a horse’s leg. Explain how this can cause damage to the tendon if a horse runs too hard for too long a...

Q: You are floating in a canoe in the middle of a swimming

You are floating in a canoe in the middle of a swimming pool. A large bird flies up and lights on your shoulder. Does the water level in the pool rise or fall?

Q: If the velocity at each point in space in steady-state

If the velocity at each point in space in steady-state fluid flow is constant, how can a fluid particle accelerate?

Q: A piece of iron is glued to the top of a block

A piece of iron is glued to the top of a block of wood. When the block is placed in a bucket of water with the iron on top, the block floats. The block is now turned over so that the iron is submerged...