Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 10.6
Accelerating frames of reference — Morin
Physics — Mechanics · rotating-frame-kinematics
Problem
Released mass A mass is bolted down to a frictionless turntable. The frequency of rotation is ω, and the mass is located at radius a. The mass is then released. Viewed from an inertial frame, it travels in a straight line. In the rotating frame, what path does the mass take? Specify r(t) and θ(t), where θ is the angle with respect to the initial radius, as measured in the rotating frame. Solve this by working in the inertial frame. (Exercise 10.25 deals with the more difficult task of working in the rotating frame.)