Don't understand phrasing of Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a physics question regarding the behavior of a helical spring when rotated about one of its ends. The original poster seeks clarification on the phrasing of the question as posed by a friend who is a non-native speaker.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the mechanics of the spring's rotation, with some suggesting different interpretations of how the spring is positioned and rotated. Questions arise about whether the spring is laid flat or upright during the rotation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the question. Some have provided visual references to aid understanding, while others express uncertainty about the concepts being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of language barriers affecting comprehension, as the original poster is trying to assist a friend with the phrasing of the physics question. This may impact the clarity of the discussion.

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Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask

A helical spring is rotated about one of its ends around a vertical axis. Investigate the expansion of the spring with and without an additional mass attached to its free end.

Does that make sense to you?

Not my question - a non-native-speaker friend asked me to explain the meaning of a few physics questions. I don't really understand the italicized part of this one though...
 
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Basically, you lay the helical spring flat on the ground and spin it about one of its ends.
 
So - a cylindrical spring is sitting upright on the ground. You grab the top most edge, then start moving your arm in a circular motion. Is that it? Or, is the cylindrical spring sitting in the same manner, and you just grab the top most coil then start rotating the spring?
 
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Like this:

http://images.absoluteastronomy.com/images/encyclopediaimages/m/mo/moment_of_inertia_rod_end.png

where the rod is the spring
 
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Nor do I understand that png. Perhaps I'm just daft about this.
 

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