- #1
Inkage
- 2
- 0
Homework Statement
A mass m is placed on the top of a smooth hemisphere of radius a such that theta = pi/2 it is given a very small impulse and as a result begins to slide down one side of the hemisphere under the influence of the gravitational acceleration g.
Show that the mass flies off the surface of the hemisphere when its vertical height has decreased by a/3.
Homework Equations
None
The Attempt at a Solution
I managed to work out that when the vertical height is reduced by a/3, theta = 48 degrees. But I have no idea how to show that the mass flies off the hemisphere. I suppose when N = 0 the object will fall off, but surely that would be when cos(theta) = 0? Which would mean... theta = 90 degrees... Help please >_> I feel a bit retarded for not being able to do this question =(