Math Problem Statement

what is angular speed?

What is angular speed?

Solution

The question asks for the angular speed ωc\omega_c, which refers to the rate at which the amusement park ride is rotating. In physics, angular speed is a measure of how quickly an object rotates or revolves relative to another point, in this case, the axis ABAB of the ride. It's usually measured in radians per second (rad/s\text{rad/s}).

Here’s the approach to calculate ωc\omega_c for this scenario:

  1. Forces involved: The person PP is kept against the wall by friction and the centrifugal force caused by the ride's rotation.

    • Centrifugal force FcentrifugalF_{\text{centrifugal}}: This is an outward force acting on the person due to the ride's spinning motion. The magnitude of the centrifugal force is: Fcentrifugal=mωc2dF_{\text{centrifugal}} = m \omega_c^2 d where:
      • mm is the mass of the person,
      • d=28ftd = 28 \, \text{ft} is the distance from the axis of rotation (converted to meters if necessary),
      • ωc\omega_c is the angular speed.
  2. Frictional force FfrictionF_{\text{friction}}: The friction force between the person and the wall prevents the person from sliding. The maximum frictional force is given by: Ffriction=μsNF_{\text{friction}} = \mu_s N where:

    • μs=0.7\mu_s = 0.7 is the coefficient of static friction,
    • NN is the normal force, which is the component of the centrifugal force perpendicular to the surface of the wall.
  3. Equilibrium: For the person to not slide, the frictional force must equal the gravitational force pulling the person down. So: Ffriction=mgF_{\text{friction}} = mg And since N=Fcentrifugalcos(θ)N = F_{\text{centrifugal}} \cos(\theta), where θ=15\theta = 15^\circ, we get: μsFcentrifugalcos(θ)=mg\mu_s F_{\text{centrifugal}} \cos(\theta) = mg Substituting Fcentrifugal=mωc2dF_{\text{centrifugal}} = m \omega_c^2 d, we get: μs(mωc2d)cos(θ)=mg\mu_s (m \omega_c^2 d) \cos(\theta) = mg Simplifying, the mass mm cancels out, and you can solve for ωc\omega_c: ωc=gμsdcos(θ)\omega_c = \sqrt{\frac{g}{\mu_s d \cos(\theta)}} where g=9.81m/s2g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2.

  4. Substitute values: After converting d=28ftd = 28 \, \text{ft} to meters (d8.5344md \approx 8.5344 \, \text{m}), and using the values for μs\mu_s, θ\theta, and gg, you can calculate the angular speed ωc\omega_c.

Would you like the exact angular speed value with these substitutions? Feel free to ask for further clarification or details.


Here are five questions based on this concept:

  1. How does the coefficient of friction affect the required angular speed to prevent sliding?
  2. What would happen if the angle θ\theta increased?
  3. How does the mass of the person impact the centrifugal force in this scenario?
  4. What role does the normal force play in this system?
  5. How would reducing the distance dd from the axis affect the system?

Tip: Always ensure the units are consistent (e.g., feet to meters) when solving physics problems involving forces.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Angular speed
Centripetal force
Friction

Formulas

F_{centrifugal} = m \omega_c^2 d
F_{friction} = \mu_s N
\mu_s (m \omega_c^2 d) \cos(\theta) = mg
\omega_c = \sqrt{\frac{g}{\mu_s d \cos(\theta)}}

Theorems

Newton's second law of motion
Frictional force and static equilibrium

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (High School Physics)