/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 66 A combination lock has a 1.0 -cm... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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A combination lock has a 1.0 -cm-diameter knob that is part of the dial you turn to unlock the lock. To turn that knob, you grip it between your thumb and forefinger with a force of \(0.60 \mathrm{N}\) as you twist your wrist. Suppose the coefficient of static friction between the knob and your fingers is only 0.12 because some oil accidentally got onto the knob. What is the most torque you can exert on the knob without having it slip between your fingers?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The maximum torque that can be exerted on the knob without having it slip is \(0.00036 \mathrm{Nm}\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Known Variables

In the problem, it is given that the force exerted by the fingers, \(F\) is \(0.60 \mathrm{N}\), the radius of the knob, \(r\) is \(0.5 \mathrm{cm} = 0.005 \mathrm{m}\) (since radius is half the diameter), and the static coefficient of friction, \(μ_s\) is \(0.12\).
02

Calculate the Maximum Force of Static Friction

The maximum force of static friction, \(f_s\) can be calculated with the equation \(f_s = μ_s × F\). Substituting given values into the equation gives us \(f_s = 0.12 × 0.60 = 0.072 \mathrm{N}\). This is the maximum force that can be applied without causing the knob to slip.
03

Calculate the Maximum Torque

Torque can be calculated using the formula \(τ = f_s × r\). Substituting the calculated static friction and given radius into this equation gives us \(τ = 0.072 \mathrm{N} × 0.005 \mathrm{m} = 0.00036 \mathrm{Nm}\). Hence, this is the maximum torque that can be exerted on the knob without causing it to slip.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Static Friction
Static friction is the force that prevents surfaces from sliding past one another when they are in contact and at rest relative to each other. This is a force that must be overcome for motion to start. Imagine trying to push a piece of furniture across a room; the initial resistance you feel before the furniture starts moving is static friction at work.

In our example of the combination lock, static friction plays a crucial role. It prevents the knob from slipping through the fingers when a twisting force, or torque, is applied. When the fingers press against the knob, the static frictional force is what allows for the applied force to translate into a twisting motion, assuming that this force does not exceed the maximum force that static friction can sustain before 'breaking free' and allowing slip.
Force Exertion and Its Application
The term force exertion refers to the application of force on an object. The interesting thing about exerting force is that it's not just about how much force is applied, but also how this force is applied. For instance, when you twist a knob, you're applying force in a circular path, which is quite different from pushing it in a straight line.

In the case of the lock knob, exerting a force of 0.60 N through a static-frictional contact allows a torque to be generated. Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force and is important when you're dealing with rotational motion. To exert the most effective torque, you need to maximize the use of friction before the knob slips, which leads us to the interplay of force exertion and friction.
Coefficient of Static Friction
The coefficient of static friction, often denoted by the Greek letter \(μ_s\), is a value that describes how much frictional force can be generated between two surfaces without motion. It is a unitless value that represents the ratio of the maximum static frictional force to the normal force—this is essentially the force pressing the two surfaces together.

In the context of the combination lock, a \(μ_s\) of 0.12 signifies a low friction scenario, potentially due to an oily surface. Despite that, it does not eliminate friction altogether but instead tells you that the force your fingers can apply is limited. To calculate the torque effectively, you would need to take into account this coefficient, along with the exerted force and the distance from the center of the knob (its radius), which all combine to give you the amount of torque you can apply before the slip occurs.

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