18th Putnam 1958

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Problem A2

A rough sphere radius R rests on top of a fixed rough sphere radius R. It is displaced slightly and starts to roll off. At what point does it lose contact?

 

Solution

Let the top of the fixed sphere be T and its centre O. Let X be the point of contact. Take angle XOT = θ. Let the mass be M and the normal force between the two spheres N. Resolving radially, MR(d<θ/dt)2 = Mg cos θ - N (1). Taking moments about an axis through X, MgR sin θ = I d2θ/dt2 (2), where I is the moment of inertia of the sphere about X = the moment about a diameter + MR2 = 7/5 MR2.

Integrating equation (2) gives g(1 - cos θ) = 7/10 R (dθ/dt)2. Substituting in (1) gives N = g cos θ - 10/7 (1 - cos θ). Contact is lost when N becomes 0. In other words at the angle θ = cos-1 10/17.

 


 

18th Putnam 1958

© John Scholes
jscholes@kalva.demon.co.uk
25 Feb 2002