Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between an inertial and a non-inertial reference frame?

Accepted Answer

An inertial frame is at rest or moves with constant velocity, while a non-inertial frame is accelerating.

Question 2

A car turns a corner at constant speed. From the perspective of a passenger inside the car, what force do they feel and why?

Accepted Answer

A fictitious centrifugal force pushing them outward, due to the non-inertial reference frame.

Question 3

A 1 g sample is placed in a centrifuge producing an effective gravitational acceleration of $$10,000g. $$What is the apparent weight of the sample?

Accepted Answer

$$98\ \mathrm{N}$$

Question 4

Which equation correctly gives the centripetal acceleration $$a_c$$ for an object moving in a circle of radius $$r at $$speed $$v$$?

Accepted Answer

$$a_c = \frac{v^2$}{r}$$

Question 5

A conical pendulum consists of a mass $$m$$ attached to a string of length $$L$$, swinging in a horizontal circle at constant speed. Which force provides the required centripetal force?

Accepted Answer

The horizontal component of the tension in the string.

Question 6

In a rotating space station designed to simulate gravity, the effective gravitational acceleration at radius $$r is $$given by:

Accepted Answer

$$g_{eff} = \frac{v^2$}{r}$$

Question 7

A pendulum is suspended from the ceiling of a truck accelerating to the right. What is the direction of the pendulum's equilibrium position as seen by an observer inside the truck?

Accepted Answer

It tilts backward, opposite to the direction of acceleration.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a fictitious force experienced in a non-inertial reference frame?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational force

Question 9

A projectile is fired northward in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to the Coriolis effect, its path will appear to:

Accepted Answer

Bend to the right.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why a centrifuge is effective at separating particles from a liquid?

Accepted Answer

It increases the effective gravitational acceleration, causing denser particles to settle faster.

Question 11

A pilot experiences a g-force of $$9g$$ for a few seconds. Which of the following is a likely physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Tunnel vision or blackout due to reduced blood flow to the head.

Question 12

In the context of Earth's rotation, the Coriolis force is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Deflecting moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 13

Which of the following equations gives the period $$T of an $$object in uniform circular motion of radius $$r$$ and speed $$v$$?

Accepted Answer

$$T = \frac{2\pi r}{v}$$

Question 14

A person in an elevator in free fall feels weightless because:

Accepted Answer

The normal force on their body is zero.

Question 15

A ball is swung in a horizontal circle at the end of a string. If the speed of the ball is doubled, what happens to the required centripetal force?

Accepted Answer

It quadruples.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about centrifugal force?

Accepted Answer

It is a fictitious force that appears in a rotating (non-inertial) reference frame.

Question 17

A projectile is fired eastward in the Southern Hemisphere. Due to the Coriolis effect, its path will appear to:

Accepted Answer

Bend to the left.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of friction in a car turning a corner?

Accepted Answer

Friction provides the centripetal force required for circular motion.

Question 19

A mass $$m is $$attached to a string and swung in a vertical circle of radius $$r. At $$the top of the circle, what is the minimum speed $$v_{min}$$ required to keep the string taut?

Accepted Answer

$$v_{min} = \sqrt{g r}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the Coriolis effect?

Accepted Answer

The rotation of hurricanes and large-scale weather patterns.

Motions in Accelerating Systems: Non-Inertial Frames and Fictitious Forces

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