Coefficient of Friction Between Axe and Grindstone (Torque & MI)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a grindstone with specific dimensions and mass, rotating at a given speed, and the interaction of an axe pressed against it. The goal is to determine the coefficient of friction between the axe and the grindstone while considering the effects of torque and angular acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect torque and angular acceleration to the coefficient of friction but expresses uncertainty about how to relate these concepts. Some participants suggest using the relationship between torque and frictional force, while others question the use of angular acceleration in radians.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the relationships between torque, frictional force, and angular acceleration. There is recognition of a potential error in the original poster's calculations regarding the units of angular acceleration. Guidance has been offered regarding the correct use of radians in the torque equation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a focus on the assumptions made regarding the normal force and the frictional force, as well as the implications of using different units for angular measurements.

Luis2101
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A grindstone in the shape of a solid disk with diameter 0.510 and a mass of m= 50.0kg is rotating at w = 900rev/min. You press an ax against the rim with a normal force of N= 160N, and the grindstone comes to rest in 7.00sec.

Find the coefficient of friction between the ax and the grindstone. You can ignore friction in the bearings.

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Simply put, I have no idea how to connect the information here to Coefficient of friction.
I have found Torque using t = I*(Angular Acceleration)
Where Moment of Inertia = 1/2 MR^2 = 1.63kg*m^2
And Angular Acceleration was found using w = w(initial) + angular acceleration*t.
I found the angular acceleration to be -2.14 rev/sec^2 (I converted the angular velocity to rev/sec in finding this).
And torque was equal to -3.5N...

I have all this info so far, but have no idea how to connect it to Coefficient of Friction, I thought maybe there would be some ratio with the Normal Force, but I don't have Friction Force so I'm pretty much stuck...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-L.
 
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Well, the torque must be the radius times the frictional force..:smile:
 
That makes perfect sense...

But...
I solved for Friction using torque/radius or (3.5)/(.255) = 13.7N

I then tried to solve for the coefficient of friction using the relationship:
Friction = Mu*Normal Force
So 13.7/160 = 0.0856 for coefficient of friction... which is wrong.

Is that last relationship incorrect in this case?

-L.
 
Well, but you must use angular acceleration measured in radians per second per second in your standard torque equation.
This is where you've gone wrong; multiply your coefficient of friction with [tex]2\pi[/tex] to get the right value.
 
Ohhh I see...
I have to use radians for angular acceleration otherwise my Torque value is wrong.
Cool, thanks a lot man.

-L.
 

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