Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 8 - Think and Rank - Page 156: 52

Answer

C, A, B.

Work Step by Step

The cups in C self-correct as they roll, making them the most stable. If they deviate to, say, the right, the new larger effective diameter of the wheel on the right will result in a larger tangential speed, bringing the cups back toward the center. This is discussed on page 135. System A is neutral. The cups in B are the least stable. If they deviate to, say, the right, the new smaller effective diameter of the wheel on the right will result in a smaller tangential speed on that side, throwing the cups even more off-center.
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