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 ! 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 is between your shoes and the floor that will keep you from slipping off?

Answer 1

(a) ω = 1.57 rad/s

(b) ac = 4.92 m/s²

(c) μs = 0.5

Explanation:

(a)

The angular speed of the merry go-round can be found as follows:

ω = 2πf

where,

ω = angular speed = ?

f = frequency = 0.25 rev/s

Therefore,

ω = (2π)(0.25 rev/s)

ω = 1.57 rad/s

(b)

The centripetal acceleration can be found as:

ac = v²/R

but,

v = Rω

Therefore,

ac = (Rω)²/R

ac = Rω²

therefore,

ac = (2 m)(1.57 rad/s)²

ac = 4.92 m/s²

(c)

In order to avoid slipping the centripetal force must not exceed the frictional force between shoes and floor:

Centripetal Force = Frictional Force

m*ac = μs*R = μs*W

m*ac = μs*mg

ac = μs*g

μs = ac/g

μs = (4.92 m/s²)/(9.8 m/s²)

μs = 0.5