What is the Optimal Traction Power for Unrolling Toilet Paper?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of unrolling toilet paper from a hanging roll, specifically comparing two configurations: one where the loose end hangs down the front and another where it hangs from the back. The problem involves analyzing forces such as weight, friction, and normal force in a simplified model of a cylindrical paper roll attached to a wall.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the forces acting on the paper roll, including weight, friction, and normal force. There are attempts to clarify the distinction between traction power and the force required to pull the paper. Some participants suggest using moments and resolving forces to derive equations, while others express confusion about the setup and calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing insights and suggestions for approaching the problem. Some have offered diagrams and methods for calculating forces, while others are still seeking clarity on how to proceed with their calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is also a focus on ensuring that the discussion remains within the bounds of learning rather than providing complete solutions.

  • #61
2013 said:
M1=Fr*R
M2=Fz*R
M1=M2
Fz=Fr

Is this right?
It could be, depending on which option you are adopting for the signs on the forces. Please choose one.
Also I'm not quite sure which of the two cases we're discussing here. In my previous post I was assuming the hanging paper is next to the wall.
 
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  • #62
I would like to choose option 3.

I don´t know which case we discuss already, but I thought we speak about where the paper is hanging over.
But I need both cases, because I should say which is from the physical side better.
 
  • #63
2013 said:
I would like to choose option 3.

I don´t know which case we discuss already, but I thought we speak about where the paper is hanging over.
But I need both cases, because I should say which is from the physical side better.

OK.
Fz = Fr is correct with that option, and Fn = T*sin(θ).
But Fz+Fg = Fr+T*cos(θ) only applies to one of the two cases. Can you tell me which case it applies to (hang next to wall or hang away from wall), and what the equation is for the other case?
 
  • #64
It applies to when the paper hang next to the wall.

hang away from wall:
?
 
  • #65
2013 said:
It applies to when the paper hang next to the wall.

hang away from wall:
?
Consider which way Fr acts when the paper hangs away from the wall.
 
  • #66
Fr acts the same way like Fz.
Both acts down.
 
  • #67
2013 said:
Fr acts the same way like Fz.
Both acts down.
Yes, so how does that change the equation for vertical forces?
 
  • #68
Fz+Fg+Fr = T*cos(θ)

?
 
  • #69
2013 said:
Fz+Fg+Fr = T*cos(θ)

?

Yes! Can you answer the original problem now?
 
  • #70
It is easier to pull when the paper hang near to the wall.

because by the first equation:
Fz+Fg=Fr+T*cos(θ)

we can cut out Fr and Fz:
Fg=T*cos(θ)Is this the solution for my task?
I asked myself where ever the difference is between the two processes and it is just the point of action, is different.
I must not calculate the force acting when the paper is not on the wall, on the wall by the pulling force?
 
  • #71
2013 said:
It is easier to pull when the paper hang near to the wall.

because by the first equation:
Fz+Fg=Fr+T*cos(θ)
Yes.
we can cut out Fr and Fz:
Fg=T*cos(θ)
True, but it's the two values of Fz that you need to compare.
Is this the solution for my task?
I asked myself where ever the difference is between the two processes and it is just the point of action, is different.
I must not calculate the force acting when the paper is not on the wall, on the wall by the pulling force?
In the OP you wrote
Determine the force with which you have to pull the two Aufhängearten
which suggests you are actually supposed to determine the two values of Fz (as functions of the given variables). But since this is a translation it's hard for me to be sure.
 
  • #72
Yes, you've understood the task.

haruspex said:
True, but it's the two values of Fz that you need to compare.

How can I compare the two different equations?
I'm finished or have I to do something?
 
  • #73
2013 said:
How can I compare the two different equations?
You have
(1) Fn = T*sin(θ)
(2) Fr = Fn*μ
(3) Fz = Fr
(4) sin(θ) = R/L
When hanging paper next to wall:
(5A) Fz+Fg = Fr+T*cos(θ)
When hanging paper away from wall:
(5B) Fz+Fg+Fr = T*cos(θ)
The given data are Fg, L and R, so for each case you want an equation involving only those and Fz. Try using (1)-(4) and (5A) to get such an equation.
 
  • #74
thank you so much for your help!
 

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