Centripetal force of rolling disc

In summary, the problem involves a disc with radius r<<R and mass m = 7.8 g that is released on an inclined track with a circular section of radius R = 6.5 cm. The initial height of the disc is h = 39.0 cm and it is rolling without skidding. The question is asking for the magnitude of the force the disc exerts on the track when it is at the top of the circular region. To solve this, we need to consider the potential and kinetic energies of the disc, as well as the centripetal force, which is equal to the sum of the normal force and the weight of the disc. However, ignoring the rotational kinetic energy is an oversimplification and
  • #1
danny20051
13
0

Homework Statement



http://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1602233/question/questiontext/1933161/1/1188262/Screen%20Shot%202014-04-03%20at%2011.21.21%20am.png[/B]
A disc has radius r<<R and mass m = 7.8 g. When released, it rolls on its edge without skidding on the track in the sketch. The circular section has radius R = 6.5 cm. The initial height of m above the bottom of the track is h = 39.0 cm. When the ball is rolling at the top of the circular region, what is the magnitude of the force the disc exerts on the track? (Hints: how fast is it going? and don't forget to draw a free body diagram)

There is a sketch with this that is a disc positioned on a vertical inclination at the bottom of which is a circular loop of radius R.

Answer = 0.33N

Homework Equations


U=mgh
K=0.5mv^2
F=(mv^2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


So my understanding is that the disc will initially have a potential energy of mgh. This will then be converted into kinetic energy once this disc is at the bottom. Once the disc reaches the top of the circular region some of this kinetic energy will be converted into potential energy. This being mgh where in this case h=0.13m(diameter).
The remaining energy must be in the form of kinetic energy. I believe some energy would be in the rotational energy of the disc however i assume the statement r<<R is indicating its negligible.

So (0.0078*9.8*0.39)-(0.0078*9.8*0.13) = 0.5mv^2

So (2*KE)/r is the centripetal force. Where r=0.065m

This results in the answer 0.61152N

I am not too sure what i am missing. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
The centripetal force is equal to (the force the track applies to the disc plus the weight of the disc). That is, part of the centripetal force is due to the normal force and part due to the weight. The problem basically asks for the opposite of the normal force.

However this doesn't seem to be the only mistake, seems that totally ignoring the rotational kinetic energy is an oversimplification.
 
  • #3
Delta² said:
The centripetal force is equal to (the force the track applies to the disc plus the weight of the disc). That is, part of the centripetal force is due to the normal force and part due to the weight. The problem basically asks for the opposite of the normal force.

However this doesn't seem to be the only mistake, seems that totally ignoring the rotational kinetic energy is an oversimplification.
mg = 0.07644N So taking this away from the force the disc exerts on the track due to its velocity still doesn't bring it anywhere near 0.33N

Would this be due to the rotational energy of the disc? If so i have no clue how to work out the rotational energy of the disc with the info they provided.
 
  • #4
Well we can't ignore the rotational energy cause it actually is ##E_{rot}=\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}mr^2\omega^2## where ##\omega=\frac{v}{r}## since the disk rolls without sliding. It is actually equal to half of the translational kinetic energy so it cannot be ignored.
 
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FAQ: Centripetal force of rolling disc

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, pulling it towards the center of the circle.

How is centripetal force related to the rolling disc?

In the case of a rolling disc, the centripetal force is responsible for keeping the disc moving in a circular path as it rolls.

What factors affect the centripetal force of a rolling disc?

The centripetal force of a rolling disc is affected by its mass, velocity, and the radius of the circular path it is rolling on.

Can the centripetal force of a rolling disc change?

Yes, the centripetal force of a rolling disc can change if any of the factors mentioned above change. For example, if the velocity of the disc increases, the centripetal force will also increase.

What happens if there is not enough centripetal force on a rolling disc?

If there is not enough centripetal force acting on a rolling disc, it will not be able to maintain its circular motion and will either slow down or move off its intended path.

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