Rotating ring on a rough surface- but with a twist

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanics of a ring with two attached masses (m and 2m) rolling on a rough surface. Participants analyze the center of mass (com) of the ring, which is calculated to be at R/5, and explore the implications for angular acceleration, frictional force, and normal reaction. Key equations such as torque (τ = Iα) and the parallel axis theorem are emphasized for solving the problem. The conversation highlights the importance of drawing free body diagrams (FBD) to visualize forces acting on the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and torque (τ = Iα)
  • Familiarity with the parallel axis theorem for moment of inertia calculations
  • Ability to calculate center of mass for composite systems
  • Knowledge of free body diagram (FBD) construction for analyzing forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the parallel axis theorem in complex systems
  • Learn how to derive angular acceleration in rolling motion scenarios
  • Investigate the role of friction in rolling objects on rough surfaces
  • Practice drawing and analyzing free body diagrams for various mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as engineers and anyone involved in analyzing dynamic systems involving rotational motion.

palaphys
Messages
266
Reaction score
17
Homework Statement
A ring initially at rest begins to roll (pure rolling) on a rough horizontal floor. It has two masses, m and 2m fixed at diametric points, as shown in the figure. If the mass of the ring is 2m, find the:
1. Angular acceleration of the ring
2. Frictional force acting on the ring
3. Normal reaction on the ring
Relevant Equations
Tau= I alpha ,
v= wr
Honestly, I was very confused looking at the problem. With intuition, it is clear that the ring will roll towards the right. But what direction would friction be acting in? That was my first thought.
However I am unable to figure this out, leaving me stuck here.

My only attempt here was to find the com of the ring, which may be useful somehow.
$$\[
\begin{align}
X_{\text{com}} &= \frac{(2m \cdot 0) + (m \cdot (-R)) + (2m \cdot R)}{5m} \\
&= \frac{0 - mR + 2mR}{5m} \\
&= \frac{mR}{5m} \\
&= \frac{R}{5}
\end{align}
$$

I humbly request someone to aid me in this problem and explain the mechanics here, thanks in advance. I'm only used to seeing rings roll where com coincides with geometric center.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20250217-180047 (1).png
    Screenshot_20250217-180047 (1).png
    16 KB · Views: 69
Physics news on Phys.org
palaphys said:
Homework Statement: A ring initially at rest begins to roll (pure rolling) on a rough horizontal floor. It has two masses, m and 2m fixed at diametric points, as shown in the figure. If the mass of the ring is 2m, find the:
1. Angular acceleration of the ring
2. Frictional force acting on the ring
3. Normal reaction on the ring
Relevant Equations: Tau= I alpha v= wr

Honestly, I was very confused looking at the problem. With intuition, it is clear that the ring will roll towards the right. But what direction would friction be acting in? That was my first thought.
However I am unable to figure this out, leaving me stuck here.

My only attempt here was to find the com of the ring, which may be useful somehow.
$$\[
\begin{align}
X_{\text{com}} &= \frac{(2m \cdot 0) + (m \cdot (-R)) + (2m \cdot R)}{5m} \\
&= \frac{0 - mR + 2mR}{5m} \\
&= \frac{mR}{5m} \\
&= \frac{R}{5}
\end{align}
$$

I humbly request someone to aid me in this problem and explain the mechanics here, thanks in advance. I'm only used to seeing rings roll where com coincides with geometric center.
You have listed relevant equations. How do they apply in this case?
 
palaphys said:
I'm not sure if I can add on by adding a similar question, if I am not allowed someone please tell me.
You cannot. Think of the confusion that might ensue as to who is giving what reply to what question. I have reported this post to the mentors' attention so that it can be moved to a separate thread.
 
kuruman said:
You cannot. Think of the confusion that might ensue as to who is giving what reply to what question. I have reported this post to the mentors' attention so that it can be moved to a separate thread.
Should i remove it manually or will the moderators move it to a separate thread?
 
kuruman said:
You have listed relevant equations. How do they apply in this case?
No idea, first off I'm not sure which point I would take torques about, but I say the bottom point would be more sensible as it is eliminates torque of friction
 
palaphys said:
Should i remove it manually or will the moderators move it to a separate thread?
Let the moderators take care of it. [Mentors' note: We have. It's in a new thread]
palaphys said:
No idea, first off I'm not sure which point I would take torques about, but I say the bottom point would be more sensible as it is eliminates torque of friction
Hint: Where is the axis of rotation? What point is instantaneously at rest while the rest of the assempbly rotates about it?
 
kuruman said:
Let the moderators take care of it.

Hint: Where is the axis of rotation? What point is instantaneously at rest while the rest of the assempbly rotates about it
Bottom point?
 
palaphys said:
Bottom point?
Okay I see ui gotta use parallel axes thowreom
 
palaphys said:
Bottom point?
Yup.
 
  • #10
kuruman said:
Yup.
What torques to consider? That is bothering me
 
  • #11
palaphys said:
What torques to consider? That is bothering me
All of them. What is (are) the force(s) that can conceivably generate torque(s) about the bottom point?
 
  • #12
kuruman said:
All of them. What is (are) the force(s) that can conceivably generate torque(s) about the bottom point?
Not sure, maybe the weight of the particle? But that doesn't make sense to me. Weight is exerted by the earth on those particles. How is that force acting on the ring?
 
  • #13
palaphys said:
Weight is exerted by the earth on those particles.
Correct.
palaphys said:
How is that force acting on the ring?
At what point does the external force of gravity act when you have an extended body in space?
 
  • #14
kuruman said:
Correct.

At what point does the external force of gravity act when you have an extended body in space?
Center of mass
 
  • #15
palaphys said:
Center of mass
There you go. Now draw a free body diagram and pull everything together.
 
  • #16
kuruman said:
There you go. Now draw a free body diagram and pull everything together.
My only major query is whether the two masses on the ends exert a force on the ring
 
  • #17
palaphys said:
My only major query is whether the two masses on the ends exert a force on the ring
Why is it "major"? When you draw the FBD, what is your system?
 
  • #18
kuruman said:
Why is it "major"? When you draw the FBD, what is your system?
It's only the ring
 
  • #19
palaphys said:
It's only the ring
Major because it would produce a torque right
 
  • #20
And what would that torque about the bottom point be?
 
  • #21
kuruman said:
And what would that torque about the bottom point be?
Alright I think I got this.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20250217-195228.png
    Screenshot_20250217-195228.png
    24 KB · Views: 59
  • #22
The friction and normal force part, I still have no idea though
 
  • #23
palaphys said:
The friction and normal force part, I still have no idea though
Before you go there you need to fix part (a).
How do you figure ##I_O=5mR^2+5mR^2##?
Why is the net torque ##5mg\times\dfrac{R}{5}##?

I recommend that you consider as your system the entire assembly of the two particles and the ring together. Then draw the FBD of that and see what you get. That should also help you figure out parts (b) and (c).
 
  • #24
palaphys said:
Homework Statement: A ring ... has two masses, m and 2m fixed at diametric points, as shown in the figure. If the mass of the ring is 2m, ...
Is the total mass of ring-masses assembly 5m?
 
  • #25
Lnewqban said:
Is the total mass of ring-masses assembly 5m?
Yes
 
  • #26
kuruman said:
Before you go there you need to fix part (a).
How do you figure ##I_O=5mR^2+5mR^2##?
Why is the net torque ##5mg\times\dfrac{R}{5}##?

I recommend that you consider as your system the entire assembly of the two particles and the ring together. Then draw the FBD of that and see what you get. That should also help you figure out parts (b) and (c).
Why is it wrong? I tried considering all the particles as my system here. Also I used parallel axes theorem
 
  • #27
palaphys said:
Why is it wrong?
I did not say that it is wrong. I asked you to show how you got your answers in more detail. Specifically,
  • where did each ##5mR^2## term come from in your calculation of ##I_O##?
  • why is the net torque about point O equal to ##5mg\times\dfrac{R}{5}##?
This is to make sure you know what you're doing.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SammyS
  • #28
palaphys said:
From the frame of reference of the point of IAR would every point on the ring appear to fo in circular motion?
I don't know what you are asking here but, if you look at posts #6 and #7, we have both agreed that the bottom point is the instantaneous axis of rotation. It is the only point at rest with respect to the floor while the rest of the assembly rotates about it.

Your calculation of the net torque is correct. Your calculation of ##I_O## is not. To find the moment of inertia about the bottom point O, don't cut corners. Find separate expressions for
  • the moment of inertia of ##2m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of ##m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of the ring about that point
and add the three terms together.
 
  • #29
kuruman said:
I don't know what you are asking here but, if you look at posts #6 and #7, we have both agreed that the bottom point is the instantaneous axis of rotation. It is the only point at rest with respect to the floor while the rest of the assembly rotates about it.

Your calculation of the net torque is correct. Your calculation of ##I_O## is not. To find the moment of inertia about the bottom point O, don't cut corners. Find separate expressions for
  • the moment of inertia of ##2m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of ##m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of the ring about that point
and add the three terms together.
My question was, if you say at the IAR on the ring, would u see the other particles on the ring around u going in a circular path?
 
  • #30
kuruman said:
I don't know what you are asking here but, if you look at posts #6 and #7, we have both agreed that the bottom point is the instantaneous axis of rotation. It is the only point at rest with respect to the floor while the rest of the assembly rotates about it.

Your calculation of the net torque is correct. Your calculation of ##I_O## is not. To find the moment of inertia about the bottom point O, don't cut corners. Find separate expressions for
  • the moment of inertia of ##2m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of ##m## about that point
  • the moment of inertia of the ring about that point
and add the three terms together.
How is the third point sensible though. I thought Parallel axis theorem was icm+md^2= Io. But cm is not at the center point ont he ring,.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
832
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
6K
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K