How Long Can You Pull a Tablecloth Before a Glass Falls Off?

  • Thread starter Thread starter physicsnoob93
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum time a tablecloth can be pulled without causing a glass, positioned 6 inches from the edge, to fall off the table. The coefficient of friction between the glass and the tablecloth is given as 0.5. The primary equation used is F_f = μmg, where F_f represents the frictional force, μ is the coefficient of friction, m is the mass of the glass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Participants are encouraged to determine the acceleration of the glass to further analyze the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction and the coefficient of friction.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations and how to apply them in problem-solving.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to isolate variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the acceleration of the glass using the equation F_f = μmg.
  • Explore kinematic equations to determine the distance the glass travels before falling.
  • Investigate the effects of varying the coefficient of friction on the outcome.
  • Examine real-world applications of friction in similar scenarios, such as tablecloth tricks.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in practical applications of friction and motion in everyday scenarios.

physicsnoob93
Messages
169
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


If you have courage and a tight grip, you can yank a tablecloth from under the dishes on a table. What is the longest time in which the cloth can be pulled out so that a glass 6 in from the edge comes to rest before falling off the table? Assume that the coefficient of friction of the glass sliding on the tablecloth or sliding on the table top is 0.5.


Homework Equations


F_f=\mu mg


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so the force due to friction is F_f=\mu mg. The force will be applied for some maximum time: F_ft_{max}=\mu mgt_{max}. I'm not sure how to continue.

Thanks for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: What's the acceleration of the glass?
 

Similar threads

Solve Tablecloth Trick Homework Statement
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
An Eskimo child sliding down an igloo
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
How Far Do Dishes Move During a Tablecloth Trick?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Table cloth pulled from underneath a block?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Inertia and friction: The tablecloth trick
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Coefficient of friction; rod slipping off edge of table
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
What is the Mass Range M/m for the Ring to Rise as the Beads Fall?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
How Long Will It Take for the Entire Chain to Slide Off the Table?
  • · Replies 114 ·
4
Replies
114
Views
16K
Find coefficient of kinetic friction of block and ramp.
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
How Far Will the Glass Travel After Falling Off the Bar?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K