Rotational Motion Problem with Varying Centripetal Force and Friction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a rotational motion problem involving a cylinder, centripetal force, and friction, as presented in an advanced high school physics context. Participants are exploring the relationship between work done by friction and changes in kinetic energy, as well as the dynamics of forces acting on the cylinder.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to relate work done by friction to changes in kinetic energy, with some questioning the inclusion of centripetal force in their calculations. There are inquiries about the forces acting on the cylinder and suggestions to draw free body diagrams to clarify the situation.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and guidance, particularly regarding the need to consider the forces acting on the cylinder and the relationship between frictional forces and the normal forces. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their approaches and seeking further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem due to varying centripetal forces and the requirement to account for friction on both surfaces. There is also mention of homework constraints that may limit the information available for solving the problem.

Pi-is-3
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Homework Statement
Find the number of revolutions by the cylinder.
Relevant Equations
$$ \tau = I \alpha $$
Change in Kinetic energy = Work done
Hello, I'm stuck in this rotational motion problem (advanced high school level).

20200209_013940.jpg

Source: Problems in General Physics- IE Irodov

My attempt(s):

First I tried using work done by the moment of friction (mgkR) and equated it with change in KE.

I got the answer as ## \frac{R (\omega_0)^2}{8 \pi g k} ##.

However, the correct answer is ## \frac{(1+k^2)R (\omega_0)^2}{8 \pi g k(1+k)} ## .

The first mistake I thought of is not including centripetal, but the centripetal is varying with ## \omega ## and whenever I solve it that way I am not even getting close to the answer. Using ## \tau=I \alpha ## is getting nowhere either.

Any hint is appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Pi-is-3 said:
Homework Statement:: Find the number of revolutions by the cylinder.
Relevant Equations:: $$ \tau = I \alpha $$
Change in Kinetic energy = Work done

Hello, I'm stuck in this rotational motion problem (advanced high school level).

View attachment 256836
Source: Problems in General Physics- IE Irodov

My attempt(s):

First I tried using work done by the moment of friction (mgkR) and equated it with change in KE.

I got the answer as ## \frac{R (\omega_0)^2}{8 \pi g k} ##.

However, the correct answer is ## \frac{(1+k^2)R (\omega_0)^2}{8 \pi g k(1+k)} ## .

The first mistake I thought of is not including centripetal, but the centripetal is varying with ## \omega ## and whenever I solve it that way I am not even getting close to the answer. Using ## \tau=I \alpha ## is getting nowhere either.

Any hint is appreciated. Thank you.
Please post your working (and not as an image).
Did you draw a force diagram? If so please post that as an image, or list the forces involved.
Remember, both surfaces have friction.
 
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You said you tried using work; can you devise an expression relating the number of revolutions to the angular work done by the two frictional forces?
 
etotheipi said:
You said you tried using work; can you devise an expression relating the number of revolutions to the angular work done by the two frictional forces?
I think @Pi-is-3's error is in determining those forces.
 
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I am unable to find the frictional force on the left wall.
 
Pi-is-3 said:
I am unable to find the frictional force on the left wall.

If you draw a free body diagram of the situation, what equations can you write down involving the normal forces, frictional forces and weight?
 
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In determining the reaction force on the cylinder by the wall, consider that there is no translational acceleration of the center of mass of the cylinder.
 
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15811993452328846205678882829423.jpg


Ignore the minus sign behind mgk. Their has to be some involvement of centripetal force in friction, but I am not sure how, because it is directed towards the center, and not towards the ground. I know I have probably done it very wrong. I'm sorry if it's too bad.
 
Oh wait, maybe the normal reaction at ground isn't mg. I have had an idea, let me try it out first.
 
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  • #10
CPW said:
In determining the reaction force on the cylinder by the wall, consider that there is no translational acceleration of the center of mass of the cylinder.
Got it! Since their is no translational motion, the normal reaction from ground+ frictional on the left wall= mg.

And, friction on ground = Normal reaction from the left wall.

Done!
 
  • #11
Thank you everyone, this problem has been solved.
 

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