Mass on a slope on a turntable

In summary, the problem involves a wedge with a rotating turntable, where a block of mass m is placed at a distance R from the center of the turntable. The face of the wedge is inclined at an angle theta to the horizontal and the coefficient of static friction between the block and the wedge is μ. The goal is to find the block's acceleration components parallel and vertical to the inclined plane, as well as the minimum angular velocity needed to keep the block from sliding down the wedge's face. To solve this, a free body diagram is needed and the forces acting on the block must be considered. Once it is realized that the block makes a circular trajectory, the resultant of all forces must be a centripetal force ma.
  • #1
Ciaran
72
0

Homework Statement


A wedge with face inclined at an angle theta to the horizontal is fixed on a rotating turntable. A block of mass m rests on the inclined plane and the coefficient of static friction between the block and the wedge is μ. The block is to remain at position R from the centre of the turntable. Show that the acceleration is a=-Rω^(2)r̂ .Find the components of the block's acceleration parallel and vertical to the inclined plane. Finally, find the minimum angular velocity needed to keep the block from sliding down the face of the wedge

Homework Equations


a=-Rω^(2)r̂
3. The Attempt at a Solution
[/B]
I'm really not sure how to start this problem- I know I need to use cylindrical coordinates with z constant but apart from that, I'm really stuck. Any help would be much appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Start off with a free body diagram, indicate and observe all the forces acting on the body,
 
  • #3
Hello Ciaran, a belated welcome to PF :smile: !

I see you started two other threads earlier on and haven't been house trained wrt the funny habits on PF. Please check the guidelines ! At least this time there is an equation, but your attempt at solution isn't up to snuff.

Nevertheless: A drawing helps, and once you realize the block makes a circular trajectory, things will fall into place very nicely: for such a trajectory the resultant of all forces has to be a centripetal force ma with a as you state in the problem statement. You can draw all applicable forces and add them.
 

1. What is the purpose of a mass on a slope on a turntable experiment?

The purpose of this experiment is to study the effects of both gravity and centripetal force on an object placed on a slope that is rotating on a turntable. This allows for the observation of how these forces interact and affect the motion of the object.

2. What factors affect the motion of the mass on a slope on a turntable?

The motion of the mass on a slope on a turntable is affected by the angle of the slope, the speed of rotation of the turntable, and the mass of the object itself. Other factors such as friction and air resistance may also play a role depending on the specific setup of the experiment.

3. What is the relationship between the angle of the slope and the motion of the mass on a slope on a turntable?

The angle of the slope affects the amount of centripetal force acting on the object, which in turn affects its motion. A steeper slope will result in a greater centripetal force, causing the object to move faster and in a tighter circular path. On the other hand, a shallower slope will result in a weaker centripetal force and slower movement.

4. How does the speed of rotation of the turntable impact the motion of the mass on a slope on a turntable?

The speed of rotation of the turntable affects the centripetal force acting on the object. A higher rotation speed will result in a greater centripetal force, causing the object to move faster and in a tighter circular path. Conversely, a lower rotation speed will result in a weaker centripetal force and slower movement.

5. What are the applications of studying mass on a slope on a turntable in real-world scenarios?

Understanding the effects of gravity and centripetal force on an object on a slope can be useful in various real-world scenarios. For example, it can help engineers design roller coasters and other amusement park rides, or assist in predicting the behavior and movement of objects on inclined surfaces such as roads or ski slopes.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
808
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
822
Back
Top