Block slides down hemisphere; time to leave surface?

In summary, the conversation discusses a block at rest on a frictionless hemisphere and its movement down the surface. The person asking the question is looking for the time at which the block will leave the surface. The expert suggests using an expression for angular velocity and integrating it with respect to time, using the Wolfram online integrator if needed.
  • #1
Dan6500
2
0
A block is at rest at the top of a frictionless hemisphere of radius r. It is slightly disturbed at starts sliding down. I already know where it will leave the surface (height = 2r/3). My question is, WHEN will it leave the surface?
 
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  • #2
You've obviously got an expression for angular velocity if you've determined "the where." Integrate it.
 
  • #3
I've got v as a function of theta: v = (2gr(1-cos(theta))^0.5. So now I integrate with respect to TIME? How?
 
  • #4
Expanding what Bystander said (in case you're not familiar with angular velocity)
[tex]v=\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}[/tex]
in which ds is an increment of arc length. r is, of course, a constant.
You can substitute this value for v into your equation, then separate variables.
If I'm not interested in the challenge of the integration I sometimes use the Wolfram on-line integrator.
 
  • #5


The time it takes for the block to leave the surface of the hemisphere can be determined by using the principles of motion and energy conservation. The block's initial potential energy at the top of the hemisphere will be converted into kinetic energy as it slides down. At the point where it leaves the surface, the block's kinetic energy will be equal to its potential energy at that height. This can be calculated using the law of conservation of energy.

Using the equation for potential energy (PE = mgh) and kinetic energy (KE = 1/2mv^2), we can set them equal to each other and solve for the velocity of the block at the point where it leaves the surface. Once the velocity is known, we can use the equation for average velocity (v = d/t) to calculate the time it takes for the block to travel the distance of 2r/3.

It is important to note that this calculation assumes a frictionless surface and neglects any air resistance. In reality, these factors may affect the time it takes for the block to leave the surface. Additionally, the shape and mass of the block may also impact the results. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when making predictions or conducting experiments related to this scenario.
 

FAQ: Block slides down hemisphere; time to leave surface?

1. What is the cause of the block sliding down the hemisphere?

The block slides down the hemisphere due to the force of gravity acting on it. As the block moves towards the center of the hemisphere, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing it to speed up.

2. How does the mass of the block affect the time it takes to leave the surface of the hemisphere?

The mass of the block does not affect the time it takes to leave the surface of the hemisphere. The time taken is only dependent on the height of the hemisphere and the acceleration due to gravity.

3. Does the angle of the hemisphere affect the time taken for the block to leave the surface?

Yes, the angle of the hemisphere does affect the time taken for the block to leave the surface. A steeper angle will result in a shorter time as the block will have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bottom.

4. How does the surface of the hemisphere affect the block's movement?

The surface of the hemisphere affects the block's movement by providing friction. A rough surface will cause the block to slow down, while a smooth surface will allow the block to slide down faster.

5. Can the time taken for the block to leave the surface be calculated using a formula?

Yes, the time taken for the block to leave the surface can be calculated using the formula t = √(2h/g), where t is the time, h is the height of the hemisphere, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

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