Static friction on objects resting on a rotating surface

In summary, the forces of static friction act in two directions on the brick placed on a rotating disc - one is the centripetal force keeping the brick moving in a circle, and the other is a tangential force preventing the disc from slipping under the brick. If a tangential force is applied, the brick would move in non-uniform circular motion. The force of static friction only points towards the centre of the disc, and if the disc starts rotating from rest, there may be a period of slipping until the kinetic friction accelerates the brick to the same velocity as its place on the disc.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Suppose I have a brick that's sitting at the edge of a disc that is rotating clockwise with uniform circular motion.

I what direction(s) are the forces of static friction acting?

Homework Equations



a = v^2/r


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that a centripetal force from static friction acts on the brick to keep it moving in a circle along with the disc. Is there also a static friction force acting on the brick tangentially in a counterclockwise direction to prevent the disc from slipping under the brick?
 
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  • #2
The brick is moving in a circle with constant speed. What would happen to the
speed of the brick if there was a friction force that wasn't perpendicular to the direction of the velocity?
 
  • #3
No.

ehild
 
  • #4
If a force were applied tangentially, the brick would move in non-uniform circular motion (either accelerating or decelerating tangentially).

The trouble I have is with the fact that the force in question is friction; and that static friction can act without causing an object to move.

I'm finding it hard to picture why the disc doesn't slip (tangentially) under the brick, if static friction only points towards the centre of the disc.
 
  • #5
A body performs uniform circular motion under the effect of the appropriate centripetal force. If the brick moves already together with the disk then the only in-plane force points towards the centre of the disc and equals to mv^/R.

When the disk was in rest and started to rotate, the brick might have slipped at the beginning till the kinetic friction had accelerated it to the velocity equal to its place on the disk. At this starting period, the force had both radial and tangential components.

ehild
 

FAQ: Static friction on objects resting on a rotating surface

What is static friction on objects resting on a rotating surface?

Static friction on objects resting on a rotating surface is the force that prevents the object from slipping or sliding on the surface. It is the frictional force that acts in the opposite direction of the applied force, keeping the object in place.

How is static friction different from kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that exists between two objects that are not moving relative to each other, while kinetic friction is the force that exists between two objects that are moving relative to each other. Static friction is typically greater than kinetic friction.

What factors affect the magnitude of static friction on a rotating surface?

The magnitude of static friction on a rotating surface is affected by the coefficient of friction between the object and the surface, the weight of the object, and the roughness of the surface.

Can the direction of static friction change on a rotating surface?

Yes, the direction of static friction can change on a rotating surface. As the object rotates, the direction of the applied force changes, causing the direction of the static friction force to change accordingly.

How can static friction be reduced on a rotating surface?

Static friction can be reduced on a rotating surface by decreasing the coefficient of friction, using lubricants, or increasing the smoothness of the surface. Additionally, reducing the weight of the object can also decrease the magnitude of static friction.

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