Marble Spinning in Steel Tube: Horizontal Circle or Spiral Down?

In summary, the conversation discusses the situation of a 10g steel marble rolling at 150rpm inside a vertically oriented steel tube with a diameter of 12cm. The rolling friction is assumed to be small enough for the marble to maintain its speed for several seconds. The conversation focuses on determining whether the marble will spin in a horizontal circle or spiral down the tube, using equations for velocity, centripetal acceleration, normal force, and friction. It is concluded that the marble will remain horizontal as long as the frictional force is below the maximum static friction, which is calculated using the normal force and the coefficient of static friction.
  • #1
Nightrider55
18
0

Homework Statement


A 10g steel marble is spun so that it rolls at 150rpm around the inside of a vertically oriented steel tube. The tube is 12 cm in diameter. Assume that the rolling friction is small enough for the marble to maintain 150 rpm for several seconds. During this time, will the marble spin in a horizontal circle, at constant height, or will it spiral down the inside of the tube.

Known

150rpm
12cm diameter
coefficient of Static friction for steel on steel (dry)=.80

Homework Equations



A=V^2/r
Fsmax=(mew)s x n

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved for the velocity which came out to be .3pi m/s for the ball and then got stuck from there. I solved for the centripetal acceleration but don't know if that would apply in this situation. I know that I need to find the normal force so I can figure out the static max, and in order for the ball to remain horizontal it must be under the static max right? Any insight that would aim me in the right direction would be very much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
If you know the centripetal acceleration, then you know the normal force, right? If you know the normal force, then you know the frictional force. Now just ask if the frictional force is greater than mg.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
If you know the centripetal acceleration, then you know the normal force, right? If you know the normal force, then you know the frictional force. Now just ask if the frictional force is greater than mg.

Is the normal force directly related to the centripetal acceleration? Dont you have to factor mass into the normal force? Wouldn't the free body of the ball have normal force perpendicular to the wall with gravity straight down and static friction straight up? Then how would you calculate the normal force?
 
  • #4
Yes, the free body diagram has a normal force perpendicular to the wall with gravity straight down and friction straight up. The normal force is m times the centripetal acceleration. If you assume the ball has negligible diameter so you can ignore torques I think you can assume the ball would have to start sliding before it can move down the tube.
 
  • #5
Ok I calculated the normal force which came out to be 1.45 N then I calculated Fsmax which is (mew)s x normal force so .80 x 1.450---> 1.16 N. This means that the force of static friction has to be below this value in order for the ball to remain horizontal and not spiral downwards. Then does this mean that the static friction would be equal to gravity x mass, making it a larger value than the static max, or is there something that I am missing because
I'm not too sure about my method.
 
  • #6
I'm getting a centripetal acceleration of 14.8m/sec^2. Normal force is m times that. Friction is 0.8 times that. mg is m times 9.8m/sec^2. So I'm getting static friction a bit larger than mg. Can you check your numbers?
 
  • #7
Dick said:
I'm getting a centripetal acceleration of 14.8m/sec^2. Normal force is m times that. Friction is 0.8 times that. mg is m times 9.8m/sec^2. So I'm getting static friction a bit larger than mg. Can you check your numbers?

I get 14.8 m/s^2 for the centripetal acceleration after using a=V^2/r then normal force is m times that which is 14.8 x .01 kg= .148044 N. Then friction is .8 times that which is .1184 N, for the Fsmax. Then Fs is calculated by m x g which is .098 N right? So this is below the max so the ball remains horizontal which the rpm is at 150. Did I do it right?
 
  • #8
That's the way I would answer it. Hope I'm not missing something.
 

1. What is the purpose of marble spinning in a steel tube?

The purpose of marble spinning in a steel tube is to demonstrate the principles of rotational motion and centrifugal force. It is often used as a visual aid in science education to explain these concepts.

2. How does the marble stay inside the steel tube while spinning?

The marble stays inside the steel tube due to the centrifugal force created by the spinning motion. This force pushes the marble outwards, keeping it in contact with the inner walls of the tube.

3. What factors affect the speed of the marble spinning in the steel tube?

The speed of the marble spinning in the steel tube is affected by the diameter and length of the tube, the weight and size of the marble, and the speed at which the tube is rotated.

4. Can different types of marbles be used for this experiment?

Yes, different types of marbles can be used for this experiment as long as they are round and have a smooth surface. However, the weight and size of the marble may affect the speed of spinning and should be taken into consideration.

5. Is there any real-world application for marble spinning in a steel tube?

This experiment is a simplified version of how centrifuges are used in various industries, such as medicine, chemistry, and engineering, to separate substances based on density. It also has applications in amusement park rides and gyroscopes used in navigation systems.

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