Normal force on a rod by the rim of a bowl

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of the normal force acting on a rod by the rim of a bowl, focusing on the relationship between the rod and the surface of the bowl. The subject area pertains to mechanics, specifically the concepts of forces and torque.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the normal force is directed perpendicular to the rod or horizontally. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the normal force and the tangent to the bowl's surface.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the normal force's direction are being discussed, with some participants suggesting it should be perpendicular to the rod, while others consider the tangent to the bowl's surface. There is a mix of agreement and questioning among participants regarding the assumptions made.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external resources to support their understanding, indicating a reliance on established concepts in mechanics. The discussion reflects a need for clarity on the definitions and assumptions related to the forces involved.

songoku
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Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Torque
messageImage_1608260580081.jpg


I want to ask the direction of normal force acting on the rod by the rim of the bowl. Is the direction perpendicular to the rod or will it be directed horizontally to the left?

My guess would be horizontally to the left because the normal force would be perpendicular to the "plane / surface" which is the tangent to circle (in this case, the tangent to the rim of bowl and the tangent will be vertical). Is this correct?

Thanks
 
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songoku said:
Homework Statement:: Please see below
Relevant Equations:: Torque

View attachment 274582

I want to ask the direction of normal force acting on the rod by the rim of the bowl. Is the direction perpendicular to the rod or will it be directed horizontally to the left?

My guess would be horizontally to the left because the normal force would be perpendicular to the "plane / surface" which is the tangent to circle (in this case, the tangent to the rim of bowl and the tangent will be vertical). Is this correct?

Thanks
See section 1 of https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/frequently-made-errors-mechanics-friction/
 
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songoku said:
If my understanding is correct, the direction should be perpendicular to the rod? Thanks
Yes I think so too

If the rod was touching the bowl externally then the normal force would be perpendicular to the tangent at the point of contact.
 
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songoku said:
If my understanding is correct, the direction should be perpendicular to the rod? Thanks
Yes.
 
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Thank you very much haruspex and Delta2
 
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