Velocity of a steel ball bearing due to magnetic force

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the final velocity of a steel ball bearing influenced by a magnetic force on a frictionless surface. The problem involves understanding the dynamics of motion under the influence of a neodymium magnet's pull force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using Newton's second law. There is an attempt to calculate acceleration and velocity, but some participants express uncertainty about the realism of the results. Questions arise regarding the correct equations to relate distance, speed, and uniform acceleration.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, with some participants suggesting alternative approaches such as considering kinetic energy. There is a mix of calculations and conceptual questions, indicating an ongoing exploration of the topic without a clear consensus on the correct method.

Contextual Notes

Participants question the assumptions made in the calculations, such as the mass conversion from grams to kilograms and the implications of using certain equations. The complexity of the problem is acknowledged, suggesting that additional factors may need to be considered.

jonc1258
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the final velocity of a 5g steel ball bearing being pulled by a neodymium magnet with a pull force of 6.1 pounds (27.1 Newtons) in a straight line on a frictionless surface after being pulled for .1 meters

Homework Equations


F=MA

The Attempt at a Solution



f=ma
27.1 = .05a
a = 542m/s^2
The bearing travels for .1 meters, which is 1.85E-4 as far as it will travel in the first second (if the above solution for acceleration is correct), so t must be 1.85E-4 seconds.
v = (.1 m)/(1.85E-4 s) = 542m/s

As you can probably see by how unrealistic the numbers I came up with are, I'm not sure what to do. Could you maybe think about this in terms of kinetic energy? I got to feeling that this problem is more complicated than I initially thought.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jonc1258 said:
27.1 = .05a
How many g in a kg?
The bearing travels for .1 meters, which is 1.85E-4 as far as it will travel in the first second (if the above solution for acceleration is correct), so t must be 1.85E-4 seconds.
No, it doesn't work like that. What equation do you know relating distance, speed and uniform acceleration?
 
27.1 = .005a
a = 5420m/s^2

v^{2}_{f} = v^{2}_{i} + 2ad
v^{2}_{f} = (0) + 2(5420)(.1)
vf^2 = \sqrt{1084}
v=32.9m/s

Yes?
 
What if the first bearing were the trigger for a Gauss rifle?
http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/magnets/gauss_rifle/ready_to_fire.jpg
If the second magnet was .1 meters in front of the first magnet and there was another bearing lying against the second magnet (like in the picture), wouldn't the momentum of the trigger transfer to the second bearing? And the second bearing would accelerate because of the force of the 3rd magnet in the setup, but wouldn't it be pulled back by the attraction of the second magnet?
 
jonc1258 said:
27.1 = .005a
a = 5420m/s^2

v^{2}_{f} = v^{2}_{i} + 2ad
v^{2}_{f} = (0) + 2(5420)(.1)
vf^2 = \sqrt{1084}
v=32.9m/s

Yes?
Yes.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
10K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
43
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K