Q. The spool shown in figure is placed on rough horizontal surface and has the inner radius `r` and outer radius `R.` The angle `theta` between the applied force and the horizontal can be varied.The critical angle`(theta)` for which the spool does not roll and remains stationary is given by:- A) `theta = cos^-1(r/R)` B) `theta=cos^-1(2r)/R` C) `theta=cos^-1sqrt(r/R)` D)  `theta=sin^-1(r/R)`

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The figure is below. The outer circle of radius `R` rolls on the rough surface while the force is applied to the inner circle making an angle `theta` with the horizontal.

The condition for static equilibrium is equality of moments and equality of forces on both horizontal and vertical axis.

The external applied force has the components

`Fh =F*cos(theta)`

`F_v =F*sin(theta)`

On the horizontal and vertical axis the equilibrium condition are

`F*cos(theta) =Ff`   (1)

`F*sin(theta)=N`

(The reaction `N` from the surface is not shown in the figure.)

The momentum equality is

`F*r = Ff*R`

which combined with (1) gives

`F*r = F*R*cos(theta)`

or equivalent

`cos(theta) = r/R`

Thus the angle for which the spool does not roll is

`theta =arccos(r/R)`

The correct answer is A) `theta =cos^(-1)(r/R)`

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Images:
Image (1 of 1)
Approved by eNotes Editorial Team