Solving Rotational Energy Problem | 1.6m Stick, .4-.070kg/m^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a rotational energy problem involving a stick of length 1.6m with a varying mass density. The problem requires determining the rotational kinetic energy of the stick, which rotates about an axis perpendicular to one end. Participants are exploring the implications of the mass density function and the correct formulation of the moment of inertia integral.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct formulation of the moment of inertia integral, questioning whether to use volume or linear density in their calculations. There is also debate about the definition of R in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the integral and the definitions involved are being explored. Some participants offer alternative formulations and reasoning, while others express uncertainty about the assumptions being made. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify certain parameters clearly, such as the radius of the stick, which complicates the calculations. The discussion is also influenced by the constraints of the homework context, which may limit the methods available for solving the problem.

Jack86
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I am having problems with a rotational energy problem.

It reads...
a think stick of length 1.6m is dense at one edn than at the other: it's mass desity is p=.4kg/m-.070kg/m^2x, where x is the distance from the heavier end of the stick. The stick rotates about an axis perpindicular to the heavier end with a period of 1.1s. Determine the Rotational kinetic energy of the stick.

I used K=1/2Iw^2. I found w by using the period. However, when I try to use the integral I=(integral)pR^2 dV, I cannot find R because it is not stated. How do I find R or is there another way around the problem?
 
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R is the length of the stick.

And your integral is wrong. It should be I=(integral)pr² dr, not I=(integral)pR^2 dV,
 
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I disagree: it should be dV (I can't think why it shouldn't, enlighten me :smile:).

(The distance from the rotational axis) R2 = x2 + y2. As the stick's thin: y,z [itex]\to[/itex] 0.
 
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R is the radius of the stick, I am sure of this. And the integral has to be with respect to volume, it's a 3d object
 
Päällikkö said:
I disagree: it should be dV (I can't think why it shouldn't, enlighten me :smile:).

(The distance from the rotational axis) R2 = x2 + y2. As the stick's thin: y,z [itex]\to[/itex] 0.

We have a stick rotating about one end. A small element δm at a distance r giving a small inertia δI = r²δm. Puting δm = ρ*δr and substituting gave me my final result. Hmm, how is it derived with dV, I'm not familiar with that ?
 

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Fermat said:
δm = ρ*δr
I feel this should be:
δm = ρ*δV

Then again as the stick's thin, δm = ρ*δV basically reduces to δm = y*z*ρ*δr, where y and z are the thicknesses into different directions (I don't think you can jus cancel them out).

The attachement will take a while before it is approved (thus I cannot view it), maybe host the file on http://www.imageshack.us" ? (EDIT: You already did :smile:)

If you use your method to derive the I for a uniform thin rod, you will come up with (1/3)ρR3, which is wrong. Either of the methods I've mentioned should give the correct (1/3)MR2

EDIT: Lots and lots of edits :smile:, small typos of all kinds.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I feel this should be:
δm = ρ*δV

ρ is the linear density, in kg/m
 
The integral is still from 0 to 1.6 though right?
 
Yeah, I think we would both agree on that :smile:
 

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