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Apr6-08, 10:04 PM   #1
 

How high can insect crawl in a bowl, if friction coefficient, radius of bowl given?


1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

If the coefficient of friction between an insect and bowl surface is u (mu) and the radius of bowl is r, what is the max height upto which the insect can crawl in the bowl?

a) r/root(1 + u2)
b) r [ 1 - 1/root(1 + u2)]
c) r [root(1 + u2)]
d)r [ root(1 + u2) -1 ]

Correct Answer: b

2. Relevant equations

F=uR
tan theta = u

On a non-horizontal plane,

F=mg sin theta
R=mg cos theta

therefore, net f=mg(sin theta + u cos theta)


3. The attempt at a solution

Can't get the gist of how to approach this question.
 
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