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 center. The coefficient of static friction between the canisters and the turntable is μs. 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 force of static friction, which prevents sliding, depends on the normal force and the coefficient of static friction. Since both containers are the same distance from the center and have the same coefficient of static friction, 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