Will the 2 dimensional sphere rotate?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 200kg sphere in contact with two walls, one horizontal with no friction and one vertical with a coefficient of friction of 0.25. The question posed is whether applying a force of 400N will cause the sphere to rotate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the balance of forces in both the x and y axes, expressing confusion over the mathematical solution despite a theoretical understanding. Some participants question the completeness of the force diagram and seek clarification on the theoretical proof provided.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, discussing the balance of forces and torques involved. There is recognition of the need to clarify assumptions and the relationship between the applied force and the frictional force. Some guidance has been offered regarding force balances, but no consensus has been reached on the outcome of the sphere's rotation.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential missing forces in the original diagram, and participants are exploring the implications of the coefficient of friction on the forces acting on the sphere. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the vertical forces and their contributions to the overall dynamics of the system.

PhysicS FAN
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Homework Statement


A 200kg sphere is in touch with two walls. The horizontal wall has no coefficient of friction and the vertical has μ=0.25. If we apply a force F=400N will the sphere rotate?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
What I can't understand is, if there is balance in the y and x-axis beacuse if so the problem is easily solved. I proved it theoritically but I can not find a mathematical solution. Please help me.
 

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I am missing a force (*) in your drawing. Can you post your theoretical proof ?

[edit] (*) unless the B has a specific meaning
 
BvU said:
I am missing a force (*) in your drawing. Can you post your theoretical proof ?

[edit] (*) unless the B has a specific meaning
Sorry my fault, B is representing a point not a force. The theoretical proof is that in order for the sphere to rotate, the torque of F should be bigger than the torque of T. Its clear that both T and F are in the same distance from the center K which means we can now compare F and T as forces. The biggest value of T is always less than F since T=μ*N=0.25*N and N the reaction of the verticall wall is not big enough to cause balance.
 
PhysicS FAN said:
torque of T
Good you mention it. I can now even distinguish a T in the picture.

I agree with your reasoning and wonder why you have difficulty with the force balances: if you write then in full (i.e. ##\ \vec a = \displaystyle \sum \vec F\ \ ##) there should be no problem. Clearly there is no acceleration to the right, so the reaction force from the wall to the left is equal to F. That gives you the magnitude of T as you used it.

[edit] the next line is based on a wrong assumption:
Note that even when ##\mu = 1 \;##, nothing happens since the sum of vertical forces won't exceed 0.

[edit] the wrong assumption being: nothing happens with ##\mu = 0.25 \;##
 
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BvU said:
Good you mention it. I can now even distinguish a T in the picture.

I agree with your reasoning and wonder why you have difficulty with the force balances: if you write then in full (i.e. ##\ \vec a = \displaystyle \sum \vec F\ \ ##) there should be no problem. Clearly there is no acceleration to the right, so the reaction force from the wall to the left is equal to F. That gives you the magnitude of T as you used it.

Note that even when ##\mu = 1 \;##, nothing happens since the sum of vertical forces won't exceed 0.
Yeah
 

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