What Determines the Dynamics of a Sled on a Frictionless Hemispherical Hill?

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SUMMARY

The dynamics of a sled on a frictionless hemispherical hill are determined by the principles of conservation of energy and Newton's laws. The speed of the sled at an angle φ is expressed as v = √(2g(R - Rcosφ). To find the maximum speed without leaving the surface, the equation v = √(Rg/cosφ is derived, indicating that the sled's speed is contingent on the angle φ. The critical angle φ_max at which the sled "flies off" the hill requires further analysis, as the current approach leads to an undefined scenario at π/2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of circular motion dynamics
  • Basic trigonometry, particularly with cosine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Learn about circular motion and centripetal force
  • Investigate the conditions for an object to maintain contact with a surface
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as orbital mechanics
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of motion on curved surfaces, particularly in the context of frictionless environments.

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A sled starts from rest at the top of the frictionless, hemispherical, snow-covered hill.
Q3.jpg


a) Find an expression for the sled's speed when it is at an angle φ.
Usind the conservation of energy, I found this expression to be v=[tex]\sqrt{2g(R-Rcosφ}[/tex].

b) Use Newton's laws to find the max speed the sled can have at angle φ without leaving the surface.
I used the fact that F_net=ma --> [tex]\sum[/tex]F_r=n_r+F_g,r=(mv^2)/R=0
So then, F_r=n=mg/cosφ --> (mv^2)/R = mg/cosφ => v=[tex]\sqrt{\frac{Rg}{cosφ}}[/tex].
This one I'm not sure the cosφ in the denominator is right. But the general format corresponds to the max orbital speed. I'm not certain the derivation is formal enough.

c) At what angle φ_max does the sled "fly off" the hill?
I'm not sure how to approach this one. I was thinking that maybe it's when the expression in part b is undefined, but then that gives me π/2. Which is when the sled is at the bottom of the hill.

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.
 
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*the cos 966 in part a and b is supposed to say cos φ
 

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