Question

the photo shows a clay pot being made on a spinning potters wheel. what would cause the angular velocity of the piece of clay to increase? a. slow down the spinning of the potters wheel. b. shape the pot so that it has a wider bottom. c. shape the pot so that it has a narrower rim. d. shape the pot so that it has a wider rim.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the law of conservation of angular momentum

The law of conservation of angular momentum is $L = I\omega$, where $L$ is angular momentum, $I$ is moment - of inertia, and $\omega$ is angular velocity. When there is no external torque ($\tau_{ext}=0$), $L$ is conserved.

Step2: Analyze the moment - of inertia

The moment of inertia $I$ of a rotating object depends on its mass distribution. For a rotating clay pot on a potter's wheel, if the mass is moved closer to the axis of rotation, $I$ decreases.

Step3: Determine the effect on angular velocity

Since $L$ is conserved ($L_{initial}=L_{final}$ or $I_{1}\omega_{1}=I_{2}\omega_{2}$), when $I$ decreases, $\omega$ increases. Shaping the pot to have a narrower rim moves mass closer to the axis of rotation, decreasing $I$ and thus increasing $\omega$.

Answer:

C. Shape the pot so that it has a narrower rim.