Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

A hollow cylinder of radius 1 m rotates with angular velocity:

ω = 10 rad/s

A block of mass M is pressed against the inner wall of the cylinder.

Find the minimum coefficient of friction required so that the block remains at rest relative to the cylinder.

Verified Answer

As the cylinder rotates, the block moves in a circular path.

The normal reaction provides the required centripetal force.

Therefore:

N = mω²r

Substituting:

N = m × 10² × 1

N = 100m

The block tends to slide downward due to gravity.

To prevent slipping:

Maximum friction = Weight

μN = mg

μ(100m) = mg

μ = g/100

Taking:

g = 9.8 m/s²

μ = 9.8/100

μ = 0.098

≈ 0.10

Final Answer

Minimum coefficient of friction = 0.098 ≈ 0.10