Solving Potter's Wheel Friction Problem

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The discussion centers on solving a physics problem involving a potter's wheel, where the goal is to find the effective coefficient of kinetic friction between the wheel and a wet rag. The initial calculations used an incorrect formula for the moment of inertia, mistakenly applying the formula for a ring instead of the correct one for a thick solid disk. After clarification, the correct moment of inertia is identified as I = 0.5mr^2, leading to the correct approach for calculating the friction force. The user successfully resolves the issue after receiving guidance on the moment of inertia. The conversation highlights the importance of applying the correct physics principles in problem-solving.
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So I'm doing an online homework problem:

A potter's wheel - a thick stone disk of radius 0.405 m and mass 112 kg - is freely rotating at 48.0 rev/min. The potter can stop the wheel in 5.67 s by pressing a wet rag against the rim and exerting a radially inward force of 69.1 N. Find the effective coefficient of kinetic friction between the wheel and rag.

Round your answer to three significant figures.



f = \frac {I \omega_i}{r(\Delta t)} = \frac {(112 kg) (0.405 m^2)(48.0 rev/min)} {(0.405 m)(5.67 s)} \left(\frac{2\pi rad}{1 rev}\right) \left( \frac {1 min}{60 s}\right) = 40.2 N

\mu_k = \frac {f}{n} = \frac {40.2}{69.1}=0.582

Trouble is, I keep getting "WRONG".

Am I doing it wrong? I also tried with different # of significant digits and nothin. Any help would be great.
 
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Looks like you're using mr^2 for the moment of Inertia...which would work if it were a ring..

..however, the moment of Inertia of a thick solid disk is:

I = 0.5mr^2..

...hope that helps!
 
Right right right... ok, thanks. I just got it after I posted this. heh heh
 
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