Question

You stand on a merry-go-round which is spinning at f = 0.25 revolutions per second. You are R = 200 cm from the center. (a) Find the angular speed ω at which it is spinning. (b) Find the centripetal acceleration, ac with which it is spinning. (c) What is the minimum coefficient of static friction µs between your shoes and the floor that will keep you from slipping off?

Answer 1

a) ω = 9.86 rad/s

b) ac = 194. 4 m/s²

c) minimum coefficient of static friction, µs = 19.8

Step-by-step explanation:

a) angular speed, ω = 2πf, where f is frequency of revolution

1 rps = 6.283 rad/s, π = 3.142

ω = 2 * 3.14 * 0.25 * 6.28

ω = 9.86 rad/s

b) centripetal acceleration, a = rω²

where r is radius in meters; r = 200 cm or 2 m

a = 2 * 9.86²

a = 194. 4 m/s²

c) µs = frictional force/ normal force

frictional force = centripetal force = ma; where a is centripetal acceleration

normal force = mg; where g = 9.8 m/s²

µs = ma/mg = a/g

µs = 194.4 ms⁻²/9.8 ms⁻²

c) minimum coefficient of static friction, µs = 19.8