Use the scenario to answer the question.

Question

Two identical merry-go-rounds are loaded up with equal amounts of mass. On Merry-Go-Round A the masses are placed in the center, while the mass is placed near the edges of Merry-Go-Round B. The merry-go-rounds are pushed with equal forces, and Merry-Go-Round A ends up moving with a greater angular velocity.

Which statement helps explain the difference?

(1 point)
Responses

Merry-Go-Round A has a greater moment of inertia.
Merry-Go-Round A has a greater moment of inertia.

Merry-Go-Round B has a greater moment of inertia.
Merry-Go-Round B has a greater moment of inertia.

Merry-Go-Round B has more inertia.
Merry-Go-Round B has more inertia.

Merry-Go-Round A has more inertia.
Merry-Go-Round A has more inertia.
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Answer 1

The correct statement that helps explain the difference is:

Merry-Go-Round B has a greater moment of inertia.

This is because the moment of inertia depends on the distribution of mass relative to the axis of rotation. Since the masses on Merry-Go-Round B are placed at the edges, this increases its moment of inertia compared to Merry-Go-Round A, where the masses are at the center. As a result, Merry-Go-Round B requires more torque to achieve the same angular acceleration, leading to its lower angular velocity when both are pushed with equal forces.