Angular Velocity; Given Coefficient of Friction and Radius

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving angular velocity, friction, and centripetal force in the context of a carnival ride. The scenario describes riders standing against the wall of a rotating cylinder, with specific parameters given for the coefficient of friction and the radius of the cylinder.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between normal force and centripetal force, questioning the forces acting on the riders. There is an exploration of the minimum resultant force required to keep the riders against the wall, as well as attempts to clarify the role of friction in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify the reasoning behind the forces involved and the calculations necessary to arrive at the angular velocity. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between friction, weight, and centripetal force, with no explicit consensus on the correct approach or final answer yet reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific values for the coefficient of friction and radius but are also grappling with assumptions about forces and the lack of time in the problem setup. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations regarding the calculations needed to solve for angular velocity.

Aljazera
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Homework Statement



Consider the carnival ride in which the riders stand against the wall
inside a large cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, the floor of the cylinder
drops and the passengers are pressed against the wall by the centrifugal
force. Assuming that the coefficient of friction between a rider and the
cylinder wall is 0.5 and that the radius of the cylinder is 5m, what is
the minimum angular velocity and the corresponding linear velocity of
the cylinder that will hold the rider firmly against the wall?


Homework Equations



theta = 2pie*r/r = 2pie?

angular velocity = w/t

linear velocity = rw


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to solve for w, being as that is dtheta over delta t; but time was not given so i just assumed one second.

The answer is 1.25 rads per second
 
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In your free body diagram, the Normal force=Centripetal force.

What forces act on the body vertically?
 
Gravity
 
Aljazera said:
Gravity

Then what should the minimum resultant force between weight and the other force acting?


Also is 1.25 rad/s the answer you got or the answer to the problem?
 
rock.freak667 said:
Then what should the minimum resultant force between weight and the other force acting?


Also is 1.25 rad/s the answer you got or the answer to the problem?

With all due respect, what does knowing the resultant force between weight and other forces have to do with it?

1.25 rad/s is the answer to the problem, i just don't know how to arrive to it.
 
Aljazera said:
With all due respect, what does knowing the resultant force between weight and other forces have to do with it?

1.25 rad/s is the answer to the problem, i just don't know how to arrive to it.

Well I don't think you will get 1.25 rad/s but this is how to go about it.

For no motion in the vertical direction (you don't want the people to go flying out of the cylinder)

[tex]Friction \geq Weight[/tex]

Do you happen to have an expression for Friction?
 
Mu and a related equation for Mu ( Vmax = [tex]\sqrt{}Mu x gravity x Radius[/tex]
 
Aljazera said:
Mu and a related equation for Mu ( Vmax = [tex]\sqrt{}Mu x gravity x Radius[/tex]

Well if you went through the reasoning you'd arrive at that equation.


Friction=uN

u= coefficient of friction

N= Normal reaction = Centripetal force in this case.
 

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