Max Distance Block Can Be Placed Before Sliding Off Turntable

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum distance a brass block can be placed from the axis of a revolving turntable without sliding off, given a coefficient of friction of µ = 0.09 and a rotation speed of 33.33 rev/min. Participants clarify that the speed needs to be converted from revolutions per minute to radians per second for proper calculations. The equations of motion, including the centripetal acceleration and frictional force, are discussed, with emphasis on using the correct formulas to relate these variables. Confusion arises regarding the use of time T for one revolution and how it factors into the calculations. Ultimately, participants work through the physics concepts, aiming to derive the correct radius before the block slides off.
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The coefficient of friction between a certain brass block and a large revolving turntable is µ = 0.09. How far from the axis of rotation can the block be placed before it slides off the turntable if the turntable rotates at a constant rate of 33 1/3 rev/min (so that it requires time T = 60/33.33 seconds to complete one revolution) ?

V(tangential) = 2pi R / T

i'm not sure if 33.33 rev/min is the V, but i tried plugging in the respective numbers and solve for R, didnt really make much sense.
 
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Draw free body diagram on the block, and use Newton's 2nd Law, also because the velocity vector has constant magnitude it means the tangential acceleration is 0, therefore there's only radial (normal) acceleration. Use this to solve for the radius.
 
well, i drew a FBD on the block.

and i have :

f = ma
N=mg

from that i solve for a, which = .8829
but I'm still confused as to what that 33.333 rev/min
 
That's just the speed.

It's simply:

F_{friction} = m \frac{v^2}{R}
 
already tried, didnt work either.

i tried:

F = m (v^2/R)
like you said, V = 33.333

mu g = (v^2 / R) and solve for R this way, didn't work. I've been told that 33.333 is not just V. and if it is, then what's the T for?
 
You need to have common units!, convert rev/min to m/s!
 
Last edited:
ok, maybe I'm just dumb with this. (as you can tell physics not my cup of tea)

converted rev/min to rad/s.

i did this:

33.333 rev / min x (1 min/60 sec) x (2pi rad/ 1 rev) = 3.49 rad/s

with mu g = (v^2 / R) , R= (v^2)/mu g

am i doing something wrong that i just don't see?
 
Yes, that's ok. Now i am little confused about the statement so that it requires time T = 60/33.33 seconds to complete one revolution.

Is that how the book states it, it looks to me you would need to use.

F_{frictionn} = m \frac{4 \pi^{2} R}{T^{2}}

where T is the time for one revolution or the period T, but what you did above, should have worked just the same.
 
yes, cyclovenom, that one worked. but how did that equation come about?

Thanks so much! (physics is so hard...well for me it is...)
 
  • #10
Sorry, on the above i meant rev/min to m/s, my bad :redface:

it came from

v = \frac{2 \pi R}{T}

substitute in

a_{c} = \frac{v^2}{R} = \frac{4 \pi^{2} R}{T^2}
 
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