Calculating Angular Acceleration in a Pivoted Rod

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular acceleration of a pivoted rod of length L and mass M, released from a vertical position. The user initially calculates the angular acceleration as 3g using the formula α = rw², but the correct answer is 3g/2L, as indicated by the reference book. Key concepts include the moment of inertia and torque induced by gravity, which are essential for accurate calculations. The conservation of energy principle is also suggested as a method to approach the problem.

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  • Understanding of angular acceleration and its calculation
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia for rigid bodies
  • Familiarity with torque and its relation to angular motion
  • Basic principles of conservation of energy in physics
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  • Study the moment of inertia for different shapes, particularly rods
  • Learn how to calculate torque in rotational dynamics
  • Explore the conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Review angular motion equations and their applications in physics problems
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rod -- angular acceleration

A long uniform rod length L and mass M is pivoted about a horizonal, frictionless pin passing through one end. The rod is released from rest in a vertical position. The instant the rod is horizontal, what is the magnitue of its angular acceleration.

It's angular speed I know is [tex]\sqrt{\frac{3g}{L}}[/tex]
using the formula [tex]\alpha=rw^2[/tex]
I get then angular acceleration to be 3g. However the book tells me that the answer is 3g/2L. What am I missing?
 
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Whatever formulas are you using?

Write down the moment-of-momentum equation about the pivot:
a) What is the moment of inertia?
b) What is the torque induced by gravity?
 
Yes,your answer is incorrect,even not knowing the physics to solve the problem,nor the book's answer.

I think you can use the law of conservation of energy...

Daniel.
 

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