Homework H4.F – Sp26

Problem statement
Solution video

DISCUSSION THREAD

Any questions??


As P moves around on the circular track, two things occur:

  1. The normal force N on P due to the circular guide is proportional to the centripetal acceleration  of P: N = mv2/R.
  2. A friction force opposes its motion, where the sliding friction force is proportional to the normal force between the circular guide and P: f = μkN = mμkv2/R.

From this, we see that the friction force goes to zero as the speed goes to zero. What does this imply about P coming to rest? Can you see this in the animation of the motion below?

HINTS:
You will need to use the chain rule of differentiation to set up this problem: dv/dt = (dv/ds)(ds/dt) = v (dv/ds).

7 thoughts on “Homework H4.F – Sp26”

  1. For this circular cavity problem, I understand friction acts along the wall and the wall provides the centripetal force, but I’m confused about what the normal force equals.
    Is the normal force equal to mv^2/r, and is that what determines the friction force?

    1. Please follow the four-step plan:

      Step #1: FBD
      Step #2: Newton
      Step #3: Kinematics. This will include using the chain rule and integration of the tangential component of Newton’s second law for the particle.
      Step #4: Solve the resulting equations from this analysis. The result for the normal force will come out of these equations.

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