In a popular amusement park ride, a rotating cylinder of radius R = 2.40 m is se

Question

In a popular amusement park ride, a rotating cylinder of radius R = 2.40 m is set in rotation at an angular speed of 4.90 rad/s, as in the figure shown below. The floor then drops away, leaving the riders suspended against the wall in a vertical position. What minimum coefficient of friction between a rider's clothing and the wall is needed to keep the rider from slipping? Hint: Recall that the magnitude of the maximum force of static friction is equal to sn, where n is the normal force—in this case, the force causing the centripetal acceleration.

Explanation / Answer

the normal acting on the rider = Fc = m*R*w^2

frictional force = f = u*Fc = u*m*R*w^2

the weight of the rider is balanced by frictional force

f = W

u*m*R*w^2 = m*g

u*R*w^2 = g

u*2.4*4.9^2 = 9.8

u = 0.17

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.