The 1982 SAT Circle Problem: Uncovering the Coin Rotation Paradox

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Overview of the 1982 SAT Circle Problem

In 1982, an SAT question asked students to determine how many revolutions a smaller circle (circle A) makes as it rolls around a larger circle (circle B), where circle A's radius is one-third that of circle B. The options given were A) 3/2, B) 3, C) 6, D) 9/2, and E) 9. Surprisingly, every student got this question wrong.

Common Misconception and the Test Maker's Error

  • Intuitively, many, including the test makers, believed the answer was 3 because the circumference of circle B is three times that of circle A.
  • This logic suggested circle A would complete three full rotations to circle B's circumference.
  • However, this answer was incorrect, and none of the provided options were right.
  • The College Board later admitted the mistake and nullified the question.

The Coin Rotation Paradox Explained

  • The paradox arises when a circle rolls around another circle of the same size.
  • Contrary to intuition, the rolling circle completes two full rotations, not one.
  • This phenomenon occurs because the rolling circle rotates once due to traveling the circumference and an additional rotation due to the circular path.

Demonstration and Correct Solution

  • A to-scale model shows circle A actually makes four revolutions around circle B.
  • The general formula: Number of rotations = (Circumference ratio) + 1
  • The extra rotation accounts for the circular path traveled by the rolling circle's center.

Alternative Perspectives on the Problem

  • From the viewpoint of circle B, circle A appears to rotate three times.
  • Astronomically, a revolution is a complete orbit, so circle A revolves once around circle B.
  • The question's ambiguous wording allows for multiple interpretations.

Mathematical Proof of the Paradox

  • The rotation of the rolling circle equals the distance traveled by its center.
  • Using a frame of reference centered on the rolling circle's center, the velocity of the contact point is negative of the center's velocity.
  • This relationship ensures the rolling circle rotates an amount equal to the distance its center travels divided by its circumference.

Generalization of Rolling Motion

  • Rolling around an external shape: rotations = (perimeter / circle circumference) + 1
  • Rolling inside a shape: rotations = (perimeter / circle circumference) - 1
  • Rolling on a flat line: rotations = (length / circle circumference)

Connection to Astronomy and Timekeeping

  • Earth's rotation and orbit illustrate this paradox in practice.
  • A solar day (24 hours) differs from a sidereal day (23h 56m 4s) due to Earth's orbit around the Sun.
  • Sidereal time is used in astronomy and satellite navigation to track consistent positions relative to stars.

Impact of the SAT Error

  • The question's removal affected students' scores by up to 10 points.
  • Such score changes can influence college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
  • The SAT has since seen declining importance, with many colleges dropping standardized test requirements.

Final Thoughts

  • The 1982 SAT circle problem highlights the importance of hands-on exploration and careful problem wording.
  • Understanding the coin rotation paradox enriches comprehension of everyday phenomena and complex systems like astronomy.

Additional Learning Resources

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