Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics

In summary, the problem involves a 10 kg engine rotating at 20 rad/sec on a 3 meter wire with a tensile strength of 1.8*106 N. When fired, the engine produces an acceleration of 1 rad/sec2. The maximum possible angular velocity (ω) is 245 rad/s. To find the time it takes to reach this maximum ω, the equation w_f = w_i + \alpha t can be used. Once the time is solved for, it can be used in another equation to find the angle in radians the engine turned through during the burn, and then the total distance traveled can be calculated using the radius.
  • #1
ataglance05
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Homework Statement


Question Details:
A 10 kg engine is rotating at the rate of 20 rad/sec about a point on a wire 3 meters in length with a working tensile strength of 1.8*106 N. The engine is fired and produces an acceleration of 1 rad/sec2. What's the maximum possible ω (angular velocity) (in other words: 1) whats's the fastest ω which doesn't break the wire?) 2)How long should the engine be fired to reach the maximum possible ω? 3)How far will the engine travel in meters while it's accelerating to the maximum possible ω?

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


I believe it's right, however this is only #1. Need help on #2 and #3.
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Thanks!
 
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  • #2
2 can be solved with the equation

[tex]w_f = w_i + \alpha t[/tex]

since the angular acceleration is sustained as long as the engine is firing. The intial angular speed is 20 and the final is 245 rad/s. Once you solved for the time use it in the other equation that will give the angle in radians that it turned through during the burn. Using the radius you can then calculate the total distance covered during this time.
 
  • #3


I would like to provide a response to the content presented in this question. The topic of rotational equilibrium and rotational dynamics is a fundamental concept in physics that deals with the motion of objects rotating around an axis or point. In this problem, we are given a 10 kg engine rotating at a rate of 20 rad/sec about a point on a wire with a length of 3 meters and a tensile strength of 1.8*10^6 N. The engine is then fired, causing an acceleration of 1 rad/sec^2. We are asked to find the maximum possible angular velocity (ω) that the engine can reach without breaking the wire, the time it takes for the engine to reach this maximum ω, and the distance the engine will travel while accelerating to this maximum ω.

To solve this problem, we can use the principles of rotational equilibrium and dynamics. The first step is to determine the tension in the wire, which can be found using the formula T = mgcosθ, where T is the tension, m is the mass of the engine, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle between the wire and the vertical axis. In this case, θ is equal to 90 degrees, so the tension in the wire is simply equal to the weight of the engine, which is 10 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 98 N.

Next, we can use the equation τ = Iα to find the torque (τ) acting on the engine, where I is the moment of inertia and α is the angular acceleration. The moment of inertia for a point mass rotating around a fixed axis is equal to mr^2, where m is the mass and r is the distance from the axis of rotation. In this case, the moment of inertia is equal to 10 kg * (3 m)^2 = 90 kgm^2. Substituting these values into the equation, we get τ = 90 kgm^2 * 1 rad/sec^2 = 90 Nm.

Now, we can use the equation τ = Fr to find the force (F) acting on the engine, where r is the radius of rotation. In this case, the radius is equal to 3 meters, so F = 90 Nm / 3 m = 30 N. This force is provided by the tension in the wire, so we can set up
 

FAQ: Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics

1. What is rotational equilibrium?

Rotational equilibrium is a state in which the net torque acting on an object is equal to zero. This means that the object will not rotate or will rotate at a constant speed.

2. How does the center of mass affect rotational equilibrium?

The center of mass is the point at which the mass of an object is evenly distributed. In rotational equilibrium, the center of mass must be directly above the point of support, otherwise the object will begin to rotate.

3. What is the difference between static and dynamic equilibrium?

Static equilibrium refers to a stationary object while dynamic equilibrium refers to an object in motion. In both cases, the net torque acting on the object is equal to zero.

4. What factors affect an object's rotational equilibrium?

The factors that affect an object's rotational equilibrium include the object's mass, shape, distribution of mass, and the forces acting on it. Additionally, the point of support and the location of the object's center of mass also play a role.

5. How can we calculate the net torque acting on an object?

The net torque (Στ) acting on an object can be calculated by multiplying the force (F) applied to the object by the distance (r) from the point of rotation to the line of action of the force, or Στ = Fr. Additionally, the direction of the torque can be determined by the right hand rule, with the thumb pointing in the direction of the force and the fingers curling in the direction of rotation.

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