Checking a Problem: Speed of Bending Rod Tip

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    Bending Rod Speed
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of the tip of a thin rod bent into a quarter circle with radius R as it rotates about the x-axis. The potential energy of the rod is calculated as U=(2/pi)MgR, and the moment of inertia is determined to be I=(1/2)MR^2. The final speed of the tip is derived as v=4[gR/pi]^(1/2) by equating the kinetic energy to double the initial potential energy. The calculations and assumptions made in this analysis are confirmed to be accurate.

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Ja4Coltrane
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I made up a problem and wanted to make sure that I did everything right.

A thing rod with mass M is bent into the shape of a quarter circle with radius R. It is positioned so that it looks like the arc made as theta moves from terminal position (+ x axis) to 90 degrees counterclockwise. I am going to let this arc rotate freely about the x-axis. My problem is to determine the speed of the tip of the wire when it has rotated all the way to the bottom.

First I calculated the potential energy of the rod using the x-axis as a refrence frame. I did this by integrating over the rod noting that the height of each piece is Rsin@

U=(2/pi)MgR.

Then I calculated the moment of inertia using the same integration techniques.

I=(1/2)MR^2

(Is that really true??!)

Finally I doubled the initial potential energy to get the kinetic when it has spun around and set that equal to (1/2)Iw^2

v=4[gR/pi]^(1/2)

If anyone would check this I would be very appreciative.
 
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Should I perhaps move this question to a different forum?
 
define "thing rod"
 
403036387 said:
define "thing rod"
He means thin rod.
 

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