How Can We Calculate the Distance Traveled by a Coin in a Physics Experiment?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the distance traveled by a coin in a physics experiment involving forces and motion. The experiment involves a 2 Indian Rupee coin placed on the edge of a laptop, with a force applied to it, and the aim is to determine the distance "z" the coin travels from its starting position. The user proposes a formula for distance based on known variables but struggles to find the initial velocity "v0" due to the complexities of the forces acting on the coin. Participants suggest that the coin will rotate around the edge of the laptop, and emphasize the importance of calculating the velocity of the center of mass at that moment. The discussion highlights the challenges of accurately modeling the motion, particularly if the coin slips or if the edge of the laptop is not sharp.
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A rough sketch of experiment.
14t4sk5.png

the red dots represent a side view of path traveled, F is downward force and the tool used here is a pen placing parallel to the coinHi. I have newly started to study mechanical physics. based on study, I conduct a simple experiment. But unfortunately i am unable apply the laws in reality.

Experiment:
I placed a coin(2 Indian Rupee coin) with radius "r" positioned flat part of coin parallel to base of my laptop. Also placed at edge of base such that "x mm" of diameter of coin is supported by laptop while 2r-x is free, unsupported with the coin in a balanced position. Now at "x+y mm < r" measured from center of coin toward the free end I applied a random force perpendicular to laptop base.

Now my question is , how can we compute(formulate) distance "z" traveled by coin measured from center of coin at start point to center of coin at the place it stopped in terms of known variables mentioned below.

My attempt:
To me the known values are : r,x,y,density of coin(p),width(or height) of coin(w),time it took to stop(t).
Here for simplicity I have not considered the torque generated, and visualized the traveled path as a simple parabolic path. Now I can measure the distance traveled
z = v0t+(1/2)gt2. where g is acceleration due to gravity.

But how can I find the initial velocity v0. I know v0 is not zero, since the situation here is not equivalent to a freely falling scenario.
 
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Is the force acting up or down?
 
mikeph said:
Is the force acting up or down?

It's a downward force.
 
hi smslca! :smile:

assuming the coin doesn't slip, it will rotate around the edge of the laptop until the reaction force is zero

calculate the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the centre of mass at that instant: that is your vo and θ :wink:

(but it probably will slip, and if the edge is curved not sharp then that makes the maths even more difficult)
 
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