Work and kinetic energy (dynamics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of work and kinetic energy in the context of dynamics, specifically addressing a homework problem involving tension, potential energy, and velocity in a system. Participants explore the relationships between angular velocity, linear velocity, and energy changes.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the origin of |v(t1)| and |v(t2)|^2, suggesting confusion over the initial conditions and their implications for kinetic energy.
  • Another participant clarifies that |v(t2)|^2 = l^2θ'^2 arises from the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity, noting that the modulus signs can be ignored.
  • There is a discussion about the change in potential energy (PE) and its relation to kinetic energy (KE), with one participant equating changes in PE to changes in KE.
  • Participants express confusion over why |v(t2)|^2 involves l squared while θ' does not appear to the fourth power, leading to further inquiries about the derivation of these expressions.
  • One participant suggests that |v(t2)|^2 is not derived from the tension equation T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2, implying it should be an intuitive understanding.
  • Another participant proposes a reverse approach, starting with ΔPE=ΔKE to derive the relationship between potential and kinetic energy, linking it back to the tension equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the relationships between tension, velocity, and energy. There is no consensus on the derivation of |v(t2)|^2 or its connection to the tension equation, indicating ongoing confusion and debate.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the derivations and relationships discussed depend on specific assumptions about the system's configuration and the definitions of the variables involved. The discussion reveals a lack of clarity on how certain equations are applied in this context.

xzibition8612
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Homework Statement



See attachment.

Homework Equations



(1) F=ma
(2.13) W=ΔT
(2.20) (weight) x (decrease in altitude of mass center of body)


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't get where |v(t1)| and |v(t2)|^2 comes from. The book says |v(t1)| = 0, which I suppose is because initially there was no movement, so kinetic energy is 0? Does |v(t1)|=0 have anything to do with T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2?

Then it says |v(t2)|^2 = l^2θ'^2, and this totally confused me. First, why is v(t2) squared and not v(t1)? Second, obviously v(t2) is somehow related to T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2, but I don't see how you get v(t2) from that. Also originally θ'^2 was already squared, so wouldn't |v(t2)|^2 = l^2θ'^4??
Very confused on this.

Any help would be appreciated thanks.
 

Attachments

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|v(t1)| = 0 as no movement at t=t1.


|v(t2)|^2 = l^2θ'^2 because v(t2)= radius x angular velocity. So it is just squared. (I am ignoring the modulus signs now).

For the second part, the change in PE = change in KE

so the height went from lsin(30) to lsin(θ) so the change in PE is mg[lsinθ-lsin30]

similarly change in KE is 1/2mv22-1/2mv12 = 1/2mv22 = 1/2m(lω)2 = ½ml2ω2

Do you understand how they the first part for the tension T at least?
 
I understand where T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2 came from. But for |v(t2)|^2, why is l squared but theta dot not to the 4th power? I totally don't get this. And PE = ΔKE is the same as W=ΔKE right? Thanks.
 
xzibition8612 said:
I understand where T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2 came from. But for |v(t2)|^2, why is l squared but theta dot not to the 4th power? I totally don't get this.

Right, for the velocity, they multiply the radius (l) by the angular velocity (theta dot or ω)

so v(t2)=lω so that v(t2)2=l2ω2

xzibition8612 said:
And PE = ΔKE is the same as W=ΔKE right? Thanks.


Yep, same idea.
 
so |v(t2)|^2 has absolutely nothing to do with T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2? Meaning it wasn't derived from there or anything? It's just something you should intuitively know?
 
xzibition8612 said:
so |v(t2)|^2 has absolutely nothing to do with T=mgsinθ+mlθ'^2? Meaning it wasn't derived from there or anything? It's just something you should intuitively know?

Well the kind of did it backwards in a way.

Normally you'd start with ΔPE=ΔKE

to get mg[lsinθ-lsin30]= 1/2mv22

and it would be better to have everything in terms of θ so putting [itex]v_2= l \dot{\theta}[/itex] is easier.

so you'd get

[tex]mg[lsin\theta - lsin30]=\frac{1}{2}ml^2 \theta ^2 \Rightarrow mg[sin\theta -sin 30]=\frac{1}{2}ml \dot{\theta}^2[/tex]


and if we look at the the [itex]ml \dot{\theta}^2[/itex] you'd see that is mass*radius*angular velocity squared i.e. centripetal force.

The only way that relates to tension T is from the first line

[tex]T+mgsin\theta = ml \dot{\theta}^2[/tex]
 

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