A small button placed on a horizontal rotating platform with diameter 0.

330m will revolve with the

platform when it is brought up to a rotational speed of 44.0 rev/min, provided the button is a distance
no more than 0.148m from the axis. What is the coefficient of static friction between the button and the
platform?

The sum of the forces in the x and y direction will be:

𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝑓 = 𝑚𝑟𝜔2

𝐹𝑦 = 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑔 = 0

We can rearrange our forces in the y axis to get:

𝑁 = 𝑚𝑔

Using our value for N and the knowledge that 𝐹𝑓 = 𝜇𝑁, we can rewrite the forces in the x direction:
𝐹𝑥 = 𝜇𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑟𝜔2

We can cancel the masses to get:

𝐹𝑥 = 𝜇𝑔 = 𝑟𝜔2

We can then rearrange the equation for μ:

𝑟𝜔2
𝜇=
𝑔

Now to fill in all the values to find μ:

1. Start by converting the rotational speed(ω) into rev/sec:

rev 1min 11
44.0 × = rev/sec
min 60sec 15

2. We then substitute all the values into the equation:

11
0.148m × ( rev/sec)2
𝜇= 15 = 0.008122
9.8 m/s 2

I’m almost certain this is the correct answer; however, the website that I have to submit my answers
into is telling me that it is incorrect. I’d appreciate it greatly if someone could guide me in the right
direction. Please do not just send me the answer; only the point at which I made the mistake and the
correct approach. Thanks for your help.