Why Does Angular Velocity Appear Opposite to Linear Velocity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between angular velocity and linear velocity, specifically in the context of a coin's motion on a surface. Participants explore the implications of back-spin and the conditions under which a coin can come to rest both translationally and rotationally. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical reasoning related to angular motion and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the angular velocity appears counter-clockwise when the linear velocity is directed to the right.
  • One participant suggests that the coin must be launched with back-spin for it to come to rest both translationally and rotationally, referencing a diagram that shows back-spin.
  • Another participant draws an analogy to striking a cue ball with "backward english," indicating a scenario where the coin slides while moving to the right.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of back-spin for the coin to come to rest, with one participant noting that this is due to the problem considering only kinetic friction.
  • Concerns are raised about the unusual nature of the problem, with one participant suggesting that it may be easier to solve than problems involving natural rolling due to simpler concepts of kinetic friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions required for the coin to come to rest, particularly regarding the role of back-spin and the neglect of rolling resistance and air drag. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the mechanics involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that only kinetic friction is considered, and the neglect of rolling resistance and air drag, which may affect the outcomes in practical scenarios.

Fascheue
I’m not quite sure where to put this post so forgive me if it’s misplaced, but can somebody explain why the angular velocity in the picture here appears to be in the opposite direction as I would expect if the velocity is in the direction that is is.

I’m not looking to solve this problem (that’s why I didn’t post this in the homework thread), I’m just wondering why the angular velocity is counter-clockwise and the velocity is to the right.
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The problem statement talks about the coin coming to rest (both translationally and rotationally). That can only work out if the coin is launched with back-spin. The diagram shows back-spin.

It is amusing to launch a hula hoop, giving it a backward flick of the wrist at release so that it spins backward. With a little practice one can arrange for the forward progress and the backward spin to cancel out at nearly the same time, whereupon the hoop falls to the ground.

Video:
 
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The coin is sliding relative to the surface of the table while it's moving to the right. This is the case when ω > V/R and the coin is given an impulse to the right. The situation is analogous to striking a cue ball with "backward english" meaning that the ball is struck sharply below center at the six o' clock position.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
The problem statement talks about the coin coming to rest (both translationally and rotationally). That can only work out if the coin is launched with back-spin. The diagram shows back-spin.

It is amusing to launch a hula hoop, giving it a backward flick of the wrist at release so that it spins backward. With a little practice one can arrange for the forward progress and the backward spin to cancel out at nearly the same time, whereupon the hoop falls to the ground.

Video:

Okay I thought that might be it, it just seems a bit unusual.

Why is it the case that the coin can only come to rest translationally and rotationally if it is launched with backspin? If you roll a coin forward does it not have forward velocity and clockwise spin that simultaneousley come to rest?
 
Fascheue said:
Why is it the case that the coin can only come to rest translationally and rotationally if it is launched with backspin?
Because the question implicitly only considers kinetic friction.

Fascheue said:
If you roll a coin forward does it not have forward velocity and clockwise spin that simultaneousley come to rest?
That requires rolling resistance and/or air drag, which are to be neglected here, as no parameters on them are given.
 
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Fascheue said:
it just seems a bit unusual.
Yes. it is an unusual problem, which is what makes it interesting. It is actually easier to solve than a problem in which the coin is rolling naturally because the kinetic friction is an easier concept than 'rolling' resistance.
One can worry too much about the motives of the people who set problems. The motives are often questionable and it's often best to get on and just answer the problem as stated. :wink:
 
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