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 μ_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 frictional force that keeps an object in circular motion is the same for both canisters since it depends on the coefficient of static friction and the normal force (which is the weight of the canister). The mass of the canisters affects the normal force, but since both are subjected to the same coefficient of static friction and are at the same distance from the center, they will start sliding at the same speed due to the frictional force being overcome at the same rate for both.

Two Small Cylindrical Plastic Containers with Flat Bottoms Are Placed