Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2019 resit / 10 / c / ii / Solution

The initial angular momentum is $J=ml{v}_0/2$, and the initial total energy isWhen the hanging mass reaches the table, $r=l$. Conservation of angular momentum fixes the tabletop tangential speed there to $J/(ml)=v_0/2$. At the limiting case of just reaching, radial velocity is zero. Equating the two energies,yieldsMore generally, the boundary radial kinetic energy isso reaching requires $v_0^2\ge 4Mgl/(3m)$, with equality for just reaching and strict inequality for nonzero outward radial speed at contact. This condition is also sufficient: $U_J$ is strictly convex, and the allowed interval connecting the initial radius to $l$ has no intervening higher effective potential barrier. At the threshold the initial radial acceleration is outward and $r=l$ is the outer turning point.