What is the minimum frequency needed to spin a bucket without spilling water?

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In summary, the minimum frequency the bucket can be spun at in order for the water to not spill is (1/2pi)*sqrt(g/L). This can be found by comparing the centripetal force (mv^2/L) to the gravitational force (mg) and using the equation for frequency in circular motion (f=\frac{v/L}{2pi}).
  • #1
devanlevin
a bucket is filled with water and tied to a rope with a length of "L=1m", the bucket is then spun in a verticle circular motion ,
what is the minimum frequency the bucket can be spun at in order for the water to not spill?

i realize that i need to find the centripeutal force. is it mv^2/r??

from there i can find f=(v/L)*(1/2pi)

the correct answer is (1/2pi)*sqrt(g/L)--- where have i gone wrong
 
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  • #2
devanlevin said:
i realize that i need to find the centripeutal force. is it mv^2/r??
Yes.

from there i can find f=(v/L)*(1/2pi)
How did you get this result?
 
  • #3
using the equation for frequency in circular motion, i realize its wrong,
do i need to compare mv^2/L to mg, saying that it will not fall out when mv^2/L=mg
ie when v^2/L=g
v=(sqrt(g*L)
still not right??
 
  • #4
devanlevin said:
do i need to compare mv^2/L to mg, saying that it will not fall out when mv^2/L=mg
ie when v^2/L=g
v=(sqrt(g*L)
Yes, that's the minimum speed at the top to keep the water in the bucket. Use that speed to find the minimum frequency. Hint: It goes in a circle.
 
  • #5
so, using equation for frequency (f)

[tex]\omega[/tex]=2(pi)f

f=[tex]\frac{\omega}{2pi}[/tex]

[tex]\omega[/tex]=[tex]\frac{v}{L}[/tex]

f=[tex]\frac{v/L}{2pi}[/tex]


v=[tex]\sqrt{g*L}[/tex]

f=[tex]\frac{\sqrt{g*L}/L}{2\pi}[/tex]
 
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  • #6
devanlevin said:
f=[tex]\frac{\sqrt{g*L}/L}{2\pi}[/tex]
Good. Now simplify that a bit so it looks like the given answer.
 

FAQ: What is the minimum frequency needed to spin a bucket without spilling water?

What is the spinning bucket experiment?

The spinning bucket experiment is a physics demonstration that involves a bucket filled with water being spun at a constant speed.

What forces are acting on the water in the spinning bucket?

The two main forces acting on the water in the spinning bucket are centripetal force, which keeps the water moving in a circular path, and gravity, which pulls the water towards the bottom of the bucket.

How does the water stay in the bucket when it is being spun?

The centripetal force exerted on the water creates a curved surface, known as a meniscus, that allows the water to stick to the sides of the bucket and prevents it from spilling out.

Can the direction of the spinning bucket be changed without spilling any water?

Yes, as long as the speed of the spinning remains constant, the direction can be changed without spilling any water. This is because the centripetal force will continue to keep the water moving in a circular path.

What happens to the water in the bucket if the spinning speed is increased?

As the spinning speed increases, the centripetal force also increases, causing the meniscus to become steeper and the water to rise higher up the sides of the bucket. Eventually, the force of gravity may overcome the centripetal force and the water will spill out of the bucket.

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