Physics 12u - Two masses Spinning on a disc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two masses (a penny and a block) resting on a spinning disk. Participants explore the maximum rate of rotation of the disk before either mass begins to slip, considering factors such as coefficients of friction and the radius from the axis of rotation. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and mathematical modeling.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the distance of the block from the axis of rotation is crucial for determining the maximum rotation rate.
  • It is suggested that static friction is the primary concern since the discussion focuses on when the masses start to slip.
  • Participants propose that the block will slip first due to its lower coefficient of static friction compared to the penny.
  • Mathematical expressions for static friction and centripetal force are introduced, with participants discussing the relationships between these forces and the angular velocity.
  • There is a clarification regarding the interpretation of the problem, specifically whether the block is at the edge of the disk and the implications of that positioning.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the dimensions of the block and penny, with discussions on whether these can be ignored based on the description of the block as 'small'.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of the radius and the coefficients of friction but express differing views on the relevance of the sizes of the masses and how to interpret the problem's details. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact implications of these factors on the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the sizes of the masses and the exact positioning of the block on the disk, which could affect the calculations. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the problem statement.

Wild ownz al
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A penny of mass 3.10 g rests on a small 20.0-g block supported by a spinning disk. The block is sitting at the edge of the disc at a radius of 12 cm. If the coefficient of friction between block and disk are 0.750 (static) and 0.640 (kinetic) while those for the penny and
block are 0.450 (kinetic) and 0.520 (static), what is the maximum rate of rotation (in revolutions per minute) that the disk can have before either the block or the penny starts to slip?
 
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Wild ownz al said:
A penny of mass 3.10 g rests on a small 20.0-g block supported by a spinning disk. If the coefficient of friction between block and disk are 0.750 (static) and 0.640 (kinetic) while those for the penny and
block are 0.450 (kinetic) and 0.520 (static), what is the maximum rate of rotation (in revolutions per minute) that the disk can have before either the block or the penny starts to slip?

Hi wild one,

That depends on the distance of the block and the cent from the axis of rotation.
Is that given?

Either way, since we're talking about 'starts to slip', we're only interested in the static friction.
Since the block has the lower coefficient of static friction, the block will be the first to slip.
The block will start to slip when the centrifugal force on the block is equal to its static friction.
 
Klaas van Aarsen said:
Hi wild one,

That depends on the distance of the block and the cent from the axis of rotation.
Is that given?

Either way, since we're talking about 'starts to slip', we're only interested in the static friction.
Since the block has the lower coefficient of static friction, the block will be the first to slip.
The block will start to slip when the centrifugal force on the block is equal to its static friction.

Hey sorry I missed that. I updated the question including the radius.
 
Wild ownz al said:
Hey sorry I missed that. I updated the question including the radius.

Hmm... we still need the location of the block...
Is it at the edge of the disk? Then we need to know the size of the block. Is it given?
Or can we assume the disk is a little bigger and the center of the block is at the given radius?

Anyway, let's assume that the block is fully on the disk, and that the center of the block is at a distance $r$ from the axis of rotation.

Then the static friction $F_s$ on the block, just before it starts sliding, is
$$F_{s} = \mu_{s} N\tag 1$$
where $\mu_{s}$ is the coefficient of static friction of the block with the disk, and $N$ is the combined weight of the block and the cent.

The corresponding centripetal force $F_c$ is
$$F_c=m \omega^2 r \tag 2$$
where $m$ is the combined mass of the block and the cent, and $\omega$ is the angular velocity.

The combined weight is
$$N= m g\tag 3$$
where $m$ is again the combined mass, and $g=9.81\,\text{m/s}^2$.

The angular velocity is
$$\omega = 2\pi f\tag 4$$
where $f$ is the frequency, which is the number of revolutions per second.

Finally, we have that
$$f = \frac{rpm}{60} \tag 5$$
where $rpm$ is the revolutions per minute.

Set $F_{s}=F_c$ and solve for $rpm$?
 
Klaas van Aarsen said:
Hmm... we still need the location of the block...
Is it at the edge of the disk? Then we need to know the size of the block. Is it given?
Or can we assume the disk is a little bigger and the center of the block is at the given radius?

Anyway, let's assume that the block is fully on the disk, and that the center of the block is at a distance $r$ from the axis of rotation.

Then the static friction $F_s$ on the block, just before it starts sliding, is
$$F_{s} = \mu_{s} N\tag 1$$
where $\mu_{s}$ is the coefficient of static friction of the block with the disk, and $N$ is the combined weight of the block and the cent.

The corresponding centripetal force $F_c$ is
$$F_c=m \omega^2 r \tag 2$$
where $m$ is the combined mass of the block and the cent, and $\omega$ is the angular velocity.

The combined weight is
$$N= m g\tag 3$$
where $m$ is again the combined mass, and $g=9.81\,\text{m/s}^2$.

The angular velocity is
$$\omega = 2\pi f\tag 4$$
where $f$ is the frequency, which is the number of revolutions per second.

Finally, we have that
$$f = \frac{rpm}{60} \tag 5$$
where $rpm$ is the revolutions per minute.

Set $F_{s}=F_c$ and solve for $rpm$?

Updated the question again with the location of the masses. However there are no sizes of the masses given
 
Wild ownz al said:
Updated the question again with the location of the masses. However there are no sizes of the masses given

Can it be that we should read it as: "The block is sitting at the edge of the disc at a radius of 12 cm?"

If so, then we can proceed with $r=12\,\text{cm}$.
 
Klaas van Aarsen said:
Can it be that we should read it as: "The block is sitting at the edge of the disc at a radius of 12 cm?"

If so, then we can proceed with $r=12\,\text{cm}$.

That is correct.
 
Wild ownz al said:
Updated the question again with the location of the masses. However there are no sizes of the masses given

your original post gives mass measurements for the penny & block ...

A penny of mass 3.10 g rests on a small 20.0-g block supported by a spinning disk.
 
skeeter said:
your original post gives mass measurements for the penny & block ...

Hey Skeeter. I read his question as if he was looking for the actual dimensions of the objects. The masses of the block and penny are given.
 
  • #10
Yeah, I meant the actual sizes.
Either way, it does say that the block is 'small', suggesting that we can ignore its size.

So?
How far do you get if you don't mind me asking?
 

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