Centripetal Acceleration/Rotational Motion HW Problem

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SUMMARY

The problem discusses a block sliding down a smooth sphere of radius 1m and calculates the speed at which it leaves the surface. The derived formula for speed is v = (9.8cosθ)^0.5, leading to the conclusion that the speed at which the block leaves the surface is 2.556 m/s when cosθ is determined to be 2/3. The discussion also addresses a potential error regarding the inclusion of a 1/2 factor in the equation, which could alter the final speed calculation to 3.62 m/s.

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  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and rotational motion principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Basic grasp of the work-energy theorem
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  • Study the derivation of centripetal acceleration equations in rotational dynamics
  • Explore the work-energy theorem in greater detail, particularly in non-linear motion
  • Learn about the implications of frictionless surfaces in physics problems
  • Investigate the effects of varying angles on the motion of objects on curved surfaces
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A block sits at the top of a smooth sphere of radius 1m. Suddenly, under the
force of gravity, It begins to slide down the surface of the sphere until it leaves the
surface. At what speed does it leave the surface?

mgcosθ + N = mv^2/R
But N =0
v^2 = Rgcosθ
V^2 = gcosθ
speed = v = ( 9.8cosθ)^0.5
Now,
from work energy theorem,
0.5mv^2 - 0 = mgR(1-cosθ)
Rgcosθ = 2gR(1-cosθ)
cosθ = 2(1-cosθ)
3cosθ = 2
cosθ = 2/3
Now
SPeed = v = (9.8 x 2/3)^0.5 = 2.556 m/s

I am unsure if there's supposed to be a 1/2 in front of the mv^2/R on the first line of my work, which would change the final value to 6.32 m/s
 
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sorry i meant 3.62 for the new value lol
 

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