How to Solve for Radial Component in Rigid Body Rail Problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter transgalactic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Body Rigid body
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a rigid body problem involving a marble on a track, focusing on the radial component of forces as the marble moves along a circular path. Participants explore concepts related to centripetal acceleration and the conditions under which the marble will leave the track.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force, with some attempting to express angular velocity in terms of linear velocity. Questions arise about the conditions for the marble's release from the track and the equations governing the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on expressing variables and setting up equations, while others are seeking clarification on specific steps and the implications of their equations. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored, indicating an active engagement with the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There are references to images and equations that are not universally accessible, which may limit some participants' ability to fully engage with the problem. The discussion also hints at the need for a clear understanding of the forces at play without providing definitive solutions.

Physics news on Phys.org
This is a frame of reference type of problem. Yes, the marble will release from the track when the normal force is zero. In order for the marble to travel in a circular path a centripetal acceleration must be present. If the observer is the marble, it experiences an inertial force called the centrifugal force. This is the reactionary force caused by the track. So, in this reference frame the centrifugal force is the same magnitude as the centripetal force (v2/R) but in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the gravitational force equals the centrifugal force this is the point where the marble will leave the track.
 
i described the equation
can you continue them?
 
I'm sorry. The web page with your image will not load at this time so I cannot view your equations.
 
can you see this one?

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7320/83882436ug7.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, I can see your image. Thank you. Now, express omega in terms of v (omega = v/R). This will give you an expression for v as a function of alpha. Use the expression for centripetal force in terms of v and equate to the radial component of the graviational force acting on the marble.
 
ok what now
the total energy is
[itex] <br /> <br /> & {\rm{mg2R = mgR(1 + cos}}\alpha {\rm{) + }}{{mv^2 } \over 2} + {{I({v \over r})^2 } \over 2} \cr <br /> & \cr} [/itex]
 
Your equation can be solved for v2. Now,

[tex]F_{centripetal}=m\frac{v^2}{R}[/tex]

Find the radial component of the gravitational force as a function of alpha and set it equal to the centripetal force.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K