Friction + centripetal acceleration problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the minimum and maximum angular velocities (w_min and w_max) for a cube of mass m placed inside a funnel that rotates about a vertical axis. The equations derived are w_min = sqrt(g(sin(theta) - u*cos(theta)) / (r(cos(theta) + u*sin(theta)))) and w_max = sqrt(g/r * (tan(theta) + u) / (1 - u*tan(theta))). These formulas are essential for understanding the conditions under which the cube remains stationary relative to the funnel, as outlined in Halliday's Physics textbook, Volume 1, Chapter 5, Problem 18.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and its application in rotating systems.
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams and forces acting on objects in motion.
  • Knowledge of static friction and its role in preventing motion between surfaces.
  • Basic grasp of trigonometric functions, particularly sine, cosine, and tangent.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal acceleration in rotating systems.
  • Explore the concepts of static and kinetic friction in physics.
  • Learn how to construct and analyze free body diagrams for complex systems.
  • Investigate the applications of angular velocity in real-world scenarios, such as amusement park rides.
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Students of physics, particularly those studying mechanics, engineers working on rotational systems, and educators looking for practical examples of static friction and centripetal acceleration in action.

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A small cube of mass m is placed on the inside of a funnel rotating about a vertical axis at a constant rate of w revolutions per second. The wall of the funnel makes an angle theta with the horizontal. The coefficient of static friction between cube and funnel is u and the center of the cube is at a distance r from the axis of rotation. Find the (a) largest and (b) smallest values of w for which the cube will not move with respect to the funnel.

I of course try to draw a free body diagram that looks pretty weird.

does w_min look like sqrt(g(sin(theta)-ucos(theta))/r(cos(theta)+usin(theta)))? And wmax the same except for the fact that you add ucos)theta_ on the top except for subtracting.

The problem is also Halliday volume 1 chapter 5 problem 18

Thanks!
 
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Ugh, let's put that in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=8997":
[tex]\omega_{min}=\sqrt{g(\sin(\theta)-\mu\cos(\theta))/r(\cos(\theta)+\mu \sin(\theta))}[/tex]
or, dividing top and bottom of the fraction by cos(theta) and using some cosmetics:
[tex]\omega_{min}=\sqrt{\frac{g}{r}\cdot \frac{\tan \theta-\mu}{1+\mu \tan \theta}}[/tex]

Much prettier o:)

By the way, I got the same answer for [itex]\omega_{min}[/itex], for [itex]\omega_{max}[/itex] I get:

[tex]\omega_{max}=\sqrt{\frac{g}{r}\cdot \frac{\tan \theta+\mu}{1-\mu \tan \theta}}[/tex]
so there's a change in the denominator too.
 
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