Calculating Time for Turntable Platter to Stop at 0rpm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the time it takes for a turntable platter to stop spinning from an initial velocity of 33 rpm to 0 rpm after the power is cut. Participants explore the factors involved in this calculation, particularly focusing on the role of friction and the necessary parameters to determine the stopping time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of calculating the stopping time of a turntable platter using rotational motion theories.
  • Another participant states that knowing the coefficient of friction is essential for calculating the angular deceleration and stopping time.
  • A participant questions the difficulty of measuring the coefficient of friction between the turntable and the platter.
  • It is suggested that measuring the force required to turn the platter could help determine the coefficient of friction.
  • A formula for calculating time based on initial velocity and angular deceleration is provided, with an emphasis on the role of friction.
  • A participant shares their measured stopping time of approximately 15 seconds and seeks clarification on the gravitational constant (g) for their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the coefficient of friction is a critical factor in determining the stopping time, but there is no consensus on how to measure it or on the exact values to use in calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to find the coefficient of friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the measurement of friction and the gravitational constant, indicating that assumptions about these variables may affect the calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in rotational physics, particularly those studying the dynamics of turntables or similar mechanical systems.

utility_belt
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Hi all,

I haven't studied rotational physics in a long time so this may be a stupid question, but here goes. I'm trying to model the properties of a turntable (record player). Using the theories of rotational motion, is it possible to calculate the time it would take for the spinning turntable platter to come to a complete stop when the power to the motor is cut?

Given that I know the starting velocity is 33 rpm, the final velocity is 0rpm and the weight of the platter is 1.996kg is it possible to calculate the time it takes to come to a complete stop?

Thanks for you help!
 
Last edited:
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Yes, but you would need to know the coefficient of friction between the turntable and the platter. If there were no friction, the platter would never stop. Once you have the magnitude of the friction force you can find the angular deceleration of the platter and how long it would take for its angular velocity to become 0.
 
Ah yes, I thought that would be the missing factor. I assume this (the friction between the turntable and the platter) is something that is not so easy to measure/calculate?
 
If you can find such a turntable, it is very easy to calculate. Just measure how much force it takes to turn it. All you need is a small scale.

The other thing you could do is to time how long it takes to come to a stop. With a little algebraic manipulation you can solve the equation for the coefficient of friction.

Or you could guess. Maybe around .1 ? Does it have bearings?
-Mike
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[tex]V(t) = V_0 + at[/tex]
In our case the platter stops so V(t) is zero:
[tex]t = -\frac{V_0}{a}[/tex]
(a will also be negative so the time will be positive.)

Finding a is just a matter of: (fk being kinetic friction)
[tex]\Sigma F = ma = -f_k = -N\mu = -mg\mu[/tex]
[tex]a = -g\mu[/tex]

Plug that into the formula above:
[tex]t = \frac{V_0}{g\mu}[/tex]
And you're done. :smile:
Or if you have the time and want to find the coefficient of friction:
[tex]\mu = \frac{V_0}{gt}[/tex]
 
OK,

Thanks Chen. I've measured the time it takes for the turntable to stop, and get an average of about 15 seconds. I'm trying to put that into your last formula, to find the coefficient of friction but am unsure of a couple of variables.

V(0) Velocity is 33.33 rpm so = 3.49 rad/s
t Time is = 15s

So that would make: Coefficient = 3.49 / (g * 15)

Stupid question, what is g?
Thanks.
 

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