Analysis on the circular motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to circular motion, specifically analyzing the forces acting on a child sliding down a slide with a rounded section. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the child maintains contact with the slide and the implications of centripetal force in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the conditions for maintaining contact with the slide and the role of centripetal force. There is discussion about the relationship between the child's speed, the forces acting on them, and the point at which they lose contact with the surface.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the forces involved and the conditions for losing contact, while others are seeking clarification on how to relate these forces to the height of the slide. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, and hints regarding energy conservation have been introduced.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the dynamics of circular motion and the forces at play, with hints suggesting the use of energy conservation principles. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem's requirements, indicating a need for further clarification.

UrbanXrisis
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Is the answer just H-R?

I don't know what they are asking. Any tips?
 
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Do you really think the child loses contact with the slide before even reaching the rounded section? :rolleyes: Don't just guess.

Consider that in maintaining contact over the rounded section, the child must undergo circular motion. And that requires a centripetal force. (What force holds the child to the slide?) At some point, the child will be going too fast for the force to maintain the circular motion---off he goes.
 
At some point on the circular section the child's speed will be such that mv^2/r exceeds the normal force holding him on the slide.
 
When the normal force = 0 the boy loses contact with the surface.

So on your analysis on the circular motion

[tex]n - mg \cos \theta = -m \frac{v^2}{R}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
but how does that get me the height?
 
You should be able to determine the speed of the child in terms of her height.

HINT: Energy is conserved!
 
What i said above means when [itex]v^2 = Rg \cos \theta[/itex] it will be at the point it leaves the surface.

Hint: Use this fact and Tide's hints.
 

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