Two small cylindrical plastic containers with flat bottoms are placed on a turntable that has a smooth flat surface. Canister A is empty; canister B contains lead shot. Each canister is the same distance r from the centre. The coefficient of static friction between the canisters and the turntable is $\mu$s. When the speed of the turntable is gradually increased,
A)only the lighter container slides outward off the turntable; the heavier one stays on.
B)only the heavier container slides outward off the turntable; the lighter one stays on.
C)both containers slide off the turntable at the same turntable speed.
D)the lighter container slides inward.
E)the heavier container slides inward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The static frictional force, which depends on the coefficient of static friction and the normal force, provides the centripetal force needed to keep each canister moving in a circle. Since both canisters are at the same distance from the center and experience the same frictional force per unit mass, they will both slide off at the same speed when the required centripetal force exceeds the maximum static frictional force.

Two Small Cylindrical Plastic Containers with Flat Bottoms Are Placed μ\muμ

Two Small Cylindrical Plastic Containers with Flat Bottoms Are Placed $\mu$