Solve Uniform Wire Question: Center of Mass & Torque | QuantumNinja

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    Uniform Wire
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to the center of mass and torque of a uniform wire, specifically in the context of a physical setup involving angles and lengths. Participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and assumptions regarding the center of mass formula.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the center of mass for a uniform wire and are discussing the implications of their formulas, particularly as the angle approaches zero. Questions are raised about the correctness of the initial calculations and the interpretation of the results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of different expressions for the center of mass. There is a recognition of differing opinions on which formula is correct, indicating a productive exploration of the problem without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the behavior of the center of mass formula as the angle approaches zero, which raises questions about the assumptions made in their calculations. There is also an acknowledgment of the implications of the wire's length in relation to the center of mass.

Tom McCurdy
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Problem here:
http://www.quantumninja.com/hw/random/problem4.jpg

I was trying to figure out how to go about this problem. So far I have come up with

center of mass=
[tex]\frac{L}{4}cos\frac{\beta}{2}[/tex]

Torque=t
[tex]\sum t=I\alpha[/tex]
 
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Are you sure this is right
[tex]cm = \frac{L}{4}cos\frac{\beta}{2}[/tex]
If [itex]\beta[/itex] goes to zero then the cos will go to one and you will be left with [itex]\frac{L}{4}[/itex] which does not seem right to me for a stright rod.
 
I thought that was right
 
Actually maybe it would be
L/4*cos(b/2)+L/2
center of mass
[tex]\frac{L}{4}cos\frac{b}{2}+\frac{L}{2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
I am sorry you are right. If beta goes to zero the rod becomes lengh of L/2 and the center of mass would the be a L/4.
 
Which one is right the first or 2nd one
 

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