Playing with a yoyo (Angular momentum problem)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an angular momentum problem involving a yo-yo, specifically analyzing the acceleration of the yo-yo as it moves vertically while attached to a support. Key variables include the radius (a), mass (m), moment of inertia (I), velocity (v), angular velocity (ω), and the tension force (T). The user initially derived the equation v' = -2/3g + 2/3Z''(t) but later corrected it to v' = -2/3g + 1/3Z''(t) after realizing an error in the relationship between angular velocity and linear velocity. This highlights the importance of careful substitution and verification in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and moment of inertia (I = ma²/2)
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (m v' = -mg + T + mZ''(t))
  • Knowledge of torque and its relationship to tension (τ = T*a)
  • Basic calculus for dealing with derivatives (Z''(t) as acceleration)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear and angular motion in rigid bodies
  • Learn about the dynamics of rotating systems and their applications
  • Explore advanced problems involving tension and torque in different contexts
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and radius on the motion of a yo-yo
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and angular motion, as well as anyone interested in solving complex dynamics problems involving rotating objects.

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[SOLVED] Playing with a yoyo (Angular momentum problem)

Homework Statement


This problem is from Gregory. This is only the first part of the problem, since I understand how the solution to the first part implies the second part.

A uniform circular cylinder (a yo-yo) has a light inextensible string wrapped around it so that it does not slip. The free end of the string is fastened to a support and the yo-yo moves in a vertical straight line with the straight part of the string also vertical. At the same time the support is made to move vertically having upward displacement Z(t) at time t. Find the acceleration of the yo-yo.

a: the radius of the yo-yo
m: the mass of the yo-yo
I: moment of inertia of the yo-yo
v: velocity of the center of mass of the yo-yo
[tex]\omega[/tex]: angular velocity of the yo-yo
g: acceleration of gravity
Z(t): the displacement of the support
T: the tension force the string exerts on the yo-yo
[tex]\tau[/tex]: torque of the yo-yo

Homework Equations


Since the yo-yo is a cylinder, I = ma^2/2
[tex]\tau[/tex] = T*a = I [tex]\omega[/tex]'
m v' = -mg + T + mZ''(t)
v = -a[tex]\omega[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Work a little substitution magic:
m v' = -mg + I [tex]\omega[/tex]'/a + mZ''(t)
m v' = -mg - ma^2/2 v'/a^2 + mZ''(t)
m v' = -mg - m v'/2 + mZ''(t)
3/2m v' = -mg + mZ''(t)
v' = -2/3g + 2/3Z''(t)

The solution given in the book is v' = -2/3g + 1/3Z''(t). So, somewhere along the line I missed something with Z''(t). Can anybody guess where I went wrong?
 
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Nevermind, I got it. Turns out it was omega = (v'-z')/a. Sometimes just typing it out seems to help, eh?
 

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