Need help with Tangential Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving tangential acceleration, static friction, and circular motion, specifically related to a coin on a rotating record. The original poster is exploring the calculations necessary to determine the coefficient of static friction and the role of tangential acceleration in the context of radial acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates the velocity and radial acceleration of the coin and questions the need to calculate tangential acceleration for total acceleration. They express uncertainty about the calculation of tangential acceleration and its relevance.
  • Another participant suggests that tangential acceleration can be assumed to be zero in this scenario, prompting further inquiry about the coefficient of static friction and the normal force acting on the coin.
  • There is a clarification regarding the normal force, with a participant indicating that it is related to the weight of the coin rather than the radial acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying concepts and exploring the relationships between forces and accelerations. While some guidance has been provided regarding the assumption of zero tangential acceleration, there remains a lack of consensus on the implications for calculating the coefficient of static friction.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations and assumptions about the forces involved are being examined, particularly in the context of homework constraints that may limit the approach to the problem.

eyvhgi557r
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1. A coin placed on a 12" record will revolve with the record when it is brought up to a speed of 33.33 rpm. Provided the coin is not more than 4" from the axis...


2. a) What is the coefficient of static friction between the coin and the record?


3. I have calculated the velocity of the coin to be 27.92 in/s and the radial acceleration to be 194.92 in/s^2. Don't I need to calculate the tangential acceleration now to calculate the total acceleration? How do I calculate the tangential acceleration? I know the formula for ta is at = dv/dt.
 
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eyvhgi557r said:
… when it is brought up to a speed of 33.33 rpm.

Don't I need to calculate the tangential acceleration now to calculate the total acceleration? How do I calculate the tangential acceleration? I know the formula for ta is at = dv/dt.

Hi eyvhgi557r! :smile:

Yes, aT = dv/dt.

But in exam questions like this, you can assume that the record is "brought up" to the final speed so gradually that the tangential acceleration can be taken to be zero.

So just forget it! :wink:
 
Great! Thanks. So how do I calculate the coefficient of static friction from the radial acceleration/force? Is the force acting on the coin in the opposite direction of the radial acceleration considered "n", the normal force?
 
eyvhgi557r said:
Great! Thanks. So how do I calculate the coefficient of static friction from the radial acceleration/force? Is the force acting on the coin in the opposite direction of the radial acceleration considered "n", the normal force?

No … the normal force is always normal to the surface … in this case, the surface is horizontal, so it's the vertical force, mg. :smile:
 

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