Rolling puck on a spinning disk

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the distance from the center of a spinning disk where a puck remains at rest while the disk rotates with angular speed OMEGA. The key concepts include the rotational inertia of the disk, defined by the equation I=(1/2)*M*R^2, and the force of static friction, calculated as F=MU*(NORMAL FORCE). Two approaches are presented: applying Newton's Second Law to analyze the forces acting on the puck and using fictitious forces to account for centrifugal acceleration in a rotating reference frame.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and inertia
  • Knowledge of static friction and its calculations
  • Concept of centrifugal force in rotating systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the application of Newton's Second Law in rotational systems
  • Study the effects of static friction on objects in circular motion
  • Investigate the concept of fictitious forces in non-inertial reference frames
  • Learn about angular momentum and its conservation in rotating systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of rotating systems and the application of classical mechanics principles.

Mr. T
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A small puck is placed on a disk spinning with angular speed OMEGA around axis perpendicular to the disk and passing through its center. The coefficient of static friction between the disk and the puck is MU. At what distance(s) from the center of the disk will the puck be at rest?

Homework Equations



Rotational Inertia of Rotating Disk:

I=(1/2)*M*R^2

Force of Static Friction

F=MU*(NORMAL FORCE)

The Attempt at a Solution



By "at rest" I believe it means when the puck is rolling ON the spinning disk in a way that keeps it in the same place. But I have no idea how to determine the distance the puck needs to be at for that to happen.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are two possible and equivalent approaches to this problem. The first is just about applying Newton's Second Law.

Look at the puck on the spinning disk, what forces act on it? In order for it to be rotating with angular speed [tex]\omega[/tex] at a distance [tex]R[/tex] from the center of the disk, what must the force towards the center of the disk be?

The other approach involves fictitious forces. If we look at the puck from inside the rotating system, we see it at rest, but we also observe an additional force acting on it. It is "falling" outwards with a centrifugal acceleration.

The formulation of Newton's Second Law for both these systems is equivalent, find either, and apply the limitations on the static friction force, and you'll find the possible distance from the center.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
4K