Solving a Frictionless Bug Problem in a Bowl

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a bug sliding in a frictionless bowl with a specific frictional patch. The bowl is 11 cm deep, and the frictional patch at the bottom measures 1.5 cm with a coefficient of friction of 0.61. The initial velocity of the bug upon hitting the patch is calculated to be 1.47 m/s. Participants emphasize the use of the work-energy theorem, noting that mass can be canceled out in the calculations, allowing for a solution without needing the specific mass of the bug.

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  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Familiarity with coefficients of friction
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics
  • Ability to perform dimensional analysis
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  • Study the implications of coefficients of friction in physics problems
  • Practice solving kinematics problems involving friction
  • Explore dimensional analysis techniques in physics
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in applying the work-energy theorem to real-world problems involving friction.

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Homework Statement


A bug slides back and forth in a bowl 11cm deep, the bowl is frictionless except a 1.5cm patch at the *flat* bottom coefficient of friction = .61


Homework Equations


W = f*d
r= 11cm
[tex]\mu=.61[/tex]
stickypatch=1.5cm

The Attempt at a Solution


i can get the first part (its velocity right when it hits the patch [1.47m/s] afterwards I'm stuck i tried using Work = F*d but i get:
W = -.61(mass)(9.81) * .015m

how am i supposed to solve this without the required mass? i tried finding substitutes to put in for mass or to remove mass, but no luck.
 
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Grogerian said:
A bug slides back and forth in a bowl 11cm deep, the bowl is frictionless except a 1.5cm patch at the *flat* bottom coefficient of friction = .61

i can get the first part (its velocity right when it hits the patch [1.47m/s] afterwards I'm stuck i tried using Work = F*d but i get:
W = -.61(mass)(9.81) * .015m

how am i supposed to solve this without the required mass? i tried finding substitutes to put in for mass or to remove mass, but no luck.

Hi Grogerian! :smile:

I assume you're using the work-energy theorem …

the mass should appear on both sides, so you can just cancel it at the end. :wink:
 

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