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gatechphysics
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Homework Statement
A thin hoop of mass M and radius R is suspended from a string through a point on the rim of the hoop. If the support is turned with a high angular velocity ω, the hoop will spin as shown in the diagram above (see the top figure in the attachment), with its plane nearly horizontal and its center nearly on the axis of support. The string makes an angle α with the vertical.
(a) Find, approximately, the small angle β between the plane of the hoop and the horizontal (see the bottom figure in the attachment).
(b) Find, approximately, the radius of the small circle traced out by the center of mass about the vertical axis.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I am really struggling with these rotational dynamics problems. My biggest issue with this particular problem is that I don't even know how to start the solution.