Rituraj Tiwari
Last Activity: 4 Years ago
To solve this problem, let's analyze the forces acting on the rotating chain using Newtonian mechanics.
### Step 1: Understanding the Problem
- The chain of mass \( m \) forms a circular loop of radius \( R \) and is placed on a smooth round cone.
- The cone has a half-angle \( \theta \).
- The chain rotates with a constant angular velocity \( \omega \) about a vertical axis coinciding with the symmetry axis of the cone.
- We need to determine the tension in the chain.
### Step 2: Forces Acting on the Chain
Each infinitesimal segment of the chain experiences the following forces:
1. **Tension \( T \)**: Acts tangentially along the chain at every point.
2. **Normal Reaction \( N \)**: Acts perpendicular to the surface of the cone.
3. **Weight \( mg \)**: Acts vertically downward.
Since the chain is rotating, it experiences a centrifugal force due to its motion.
### Step 3: Motion and Equilibrium Considerations
- The chain is in rotational equilibrium in the horizontal direction.
- The normal force \( N \) provides the necessary centripetal force for circular motion.
- The weight component along the cone surface contributes to the tension.
Let’s resolve forces in the vertical and radial directions:
#### Vertical Force Balance
The vertical component of the normal force balances the weight of the chain:
\( N \cos\theta = mg \) ----(1)
#### Radial Force Balance (Centripetal Force)
The normal reaction’s radial component provides the required centripetal force for rotation:
\( N \sin\theta = \frac{m R \omega^2}{R} = m \omega^2 R \) ----(2)
From equation (1), solving for \( N \):
\( N = \frac{mg}{\cos\theta} \) ----(3)
Substituting (3) in (2):
\( \frac{mg}{\cos\theta} \sin\theta = m \omega^2 R \)
Simplifying,
\( g \tan\theta = \omega^2 R \)
So,
\( R = \frac{g \tan\theta}{\omega^2} \) ----(4)
### Step 4: Finding the Tension in the Chain
Consider an infinitesimal segment of the chain of length \( ds \). The radial forces due to tension in the chain provide additional centripetal force.
For a small element \( ds \) at an angle \( d\phi \), the radial component of the tension is:
\( 2T \sin(d\phi/2) \approx T d\phi \) (for small angles)
Balancing this with the required centripetal force:
\( T d\phi = dm \omega^2 R \)
Since \( dm = \frac{m}{2\pi R} ds \) and \( ds = R d\phi \),
\( T d\phi = \frac{m}{2\pi R} R d\phi \omega^2 R \)
\( T = \frac{m \omega^2 R}{2\pi} \)
Using \( R = \frac{g \tan\theta}{\omega^2} \) from equation (4),
\( T = \frac{m \omega^2}{2\pi} \times \frac{g \tan\theta}{\omega^2} \)
\( T = \frac{m g \tan\theta}{2\pi} \)
### Final Answer:
The tension in the chain is given by:
\( T = \frac{m g \tan\theta}{2\pi} \)
