Help with problem about beads and a hoop

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving beads on a hoop, focusing on the forces acting on the beads and their interactions with the hoop. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the nature of the normal force (N) and its direction in relation to the gravitational force (mg * cosθ). Questions are raised about why both forces are considered positive and the implications of their directions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed understanding of the first part of the problem, while others are seeking clarification on the second part. There is a mix of agreement on certain interpretations, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are referencing external problem statements and solutions, which may influence their understanding and assumptions about the problem setup.

newcool
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Thanks for the help
 
Last edited:
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newcool said:
Consider this problem:

http://www.physics.harvard.edu/probweek/prob35.pdf

The solution is here:

http://www.physics.harvard.edu/probweek/sol35.pdf


Why is N and [tex]mg *\cos\theta[/tex]both positive? I thought N point away from the hoop

No N is inward. The beads try to go outward, but the loop pulls them inward.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks, I got the first part, anyone have any idea bout the second?
 
newcool said:
Thanks, I got the first part, anyone have any idea bout the second?

Yes, the second part looks right to me.
 

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