Did This Physics Problem on Rotational Motion Get Solved Correctly?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to rotational motion involving two identical grinding wheels with different initial angular speeds. The original poster seeks verification of their calculations regarding the time taken for the wheels to stop, the angles they rotate through, and the effects of changing the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive relationships between time and angular displacement for two grinding wheels based on their initial angular speeds and the forces acting on them. Some participants question the simplification of forces and the role of the coefficient of kinetic friction in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively reviewing the original poster's calculations and providing feedback on specific parts of the problem. There is a mix of agreement and confusion regarding the treatment of forces and the coefficient of friction, with some guidance offered on correcting the approach to certain variables.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions made regarding the forces acting on the wheels, particularly the relationship between the applied force and the mass of the wheels. The original poster's use of certain equations and variables is being scrutinized, leading to clarifications on how to properly incorporate the coefficient of kinetic friction.

candyq27
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Hi. I did a 5 part problem and I just want to know if I did it right or if I'm on the right track. Please help. Thank you. The problem is as follows:

Two identical grinding wheels of mass m and radius r are initially spinning about their centers. Wheel A has an intial angular speed of w, while wheel B has an initial angular speed of 2w. Both wheels are being used to sharpen tools. For both wheels the tool is being pressed against the wheel with a force F directed toward the center of the wheel, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the wheel and the tool is uk. You are holding the tool firmly so it does not move tangentially to the wheel.

(a) If it takes wheel A a time T to come to a stop, how long does it take for wheel B to come to a stop?

My work: p=Ft, so m(wf-wi)=uFt, so t=(m(wf-wi)/umg)= (mwi)/(umg)=TA, so since B=2w then the time for B would be 2TA.

(b) Find an expression for T in terms of the variables specified above.

My work: T=mwi/umg, so T=wi/ug

(c) If wheel A rotates through an angle @ before coming to rest, through what angle does wheel B rotate before coming to rest?

My work: wf^2-wi^2=2a@, so @=(wf^2-wi^2)/(2a) so @=wi^2/2a...So the @B would be 2wi^2/2a, so @B is 4@A. (@ is angle and a is alpha)

(d) Find an expression for @ in terms of the variables specified above.

My work: @= (wi^2/2a) = (wi^2/2(Ffric/m)) = (wi^2/2(uF/m)) = (wi^2/2(umg/m)) = (wi^2/2ug). So @= (wi^2)/(2ug)

(e) If you doubled the value of uk, how would that affect the time required to stop wheel A?

My work: Doubling the value of uk doubles the friction, which would reduce the time to stop wheel A by 1/2. Double uk would cause 1/2TA.

Thank you for reading through this!
 
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You have uF = umg. But F is simply the force of the tool against the wheel and has no relation to the wheel's mass. Just leave F is it is, F.
So, check your answers for parts a), b), and d).
Also, in d), a (alpha) should be a = (2Fr)/(mr). {I_disc = (1/2)mr²}
All your other working looks OK.

Edit: corrected F = umg to uF = umg
 
Last edited:
Ok so if F can't be simplified then for (a) it is mwi/F so TB would still be double Ta...for (b) it T= mwi/F, and for (d) I'm a little confused...
is it wi^2/(2Fr/mf) = (wi^2)/(2F/m) = (mwi^2)/(2F)? Right? Thanks for looking over all this.
 
candyq27 said:
... for (a) it is mwi/F so TB would still be double Ta...

correct.

candyq27 said:
...for (b) it T= mwi/F, ...

correct, but use w , rather than wi, since you are asked to use the variables specified above.

candyq27 said:
... and for (d) I'm a little confused...
is it wi^2/(2Fr/mf) = (wi^2)/(2F/m) = (mwi^2)/(2F)? Right? Thanks for looking over all this.
I'm not sure how you got alpha = Fr/mf, but ...

F = normal reaction of disc against tool face.
μ is coefft of (kinetic) friction
Fr = frictional force on rim of wheel
and
Fr = μF

Decelerating torque on wheel is T = Fr x r
and
T = Iα, where I = (1/2)mr²
Therefore,
(1/2)mr² x α = Fr x r
(1/2)mr x α = μF
α = 2μF/(mr)

Now, you should have

θ = ω²/(2α)
θ = ω²/(4μF/(mr))
θ = mrω²/(4μF)
 
So for the entire problem I don't have to factor in the coefficient of kinetic friction between the wheel and the tool? That's why I used the umg in each of the steps
 
You have Fr = uF = umg, but F = mg is wrong.

Also, you have P = Ft, which is also wrong. I assumed that was a typo. It should be P = Fr x t.

So, you can't use umg in each of the steps.
 
wait so,

(a) (mwi)/F ?
(b) (mw)/F ?

wouldnt you have to factor in uk?
 

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