2nd law of rotation, merry go round

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the magnitude of force F2 applied to a uniform disk rotating like a merry-go-round. Given the disk's radius of 2.00 cm, mass of 20.0 grams, and an angular velocity of 250 rad/s after 1.25 seconds, participants explore the relationship between torque, angular acceleration, and forces. The net torque equation is established as F1r - F2r = Iα, with I being the rotational inertia, calculated as 1/2 mr^2. Participants emphasize the importance of using rotational terms rather than converting to linear acceleration, and arithmetic accuracy is highlighted in determining F2. The discussion concludes with a focus on correctly applying the formulas to find the desired force.
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Homework Statement


http://ready2goxtr.googlepages.com/problem1052.jpg

A uniform disk that can rotate around its center like a merry-go-round. The disk has a radius of 2.00 cm and a mass of 20.0 grams and is initially at rest. Starting at time t = 0 two forces are to be applied tangentially to the rim as indicated, so at time t = 1.25s the disk has an angular velocity of 250rad/s coutnerclockwise. Force F1 has a magnitude of .100 N. What is the magnitude of F2.


Homework Equations


T(net) = I\alpha
\omega = \alpha t <---- Equation 2



The Attempt at a Solution


r = 2.00cm = .2m m = 20.0g = .02kg t = 1.25s \omega = 250 rad/s

Using equation 2 I find \alpha = 200 rad/ s^2

I did try one way converting \alpha into a linear acceleration by multiplying it by r Then said that F1 + F2 = ma

Didnt work =(
 
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Ready2GoXtr said:
I did try one way converting \alpha into a linear acceleration by multiplying it by r Then said that F1 + F2 = ma

Didnt work =(

I would try to go the other way around, convert everything to rotation terms: you know \tau_{net} = I \alpha so F_1 r - F_2 r = I \alpha.
 
Ready2GoXtr said:
Using equation 2 I find \alpha = 200 rad/ s^2
Good.
I did try one way converting \alpha into a linear acceleration by multiplying it by r Then said that F1 + F2 = ma
Don't convert anything. What net torque is required to produce such an angular acceleration? (What's the rotational inertia of the disk?)
 
How do i find the rotational inertia of the disk, its uniform, so does mr^2 work?


or is it... 1/4 mr^2
 
Ready2GoXtr said:
How do i find the rotational inertia of the disk, its uniform, so does mr^2 work?


or is it... 1/4 mr^2
Don't just guess. Look it up!
 
It just gives it to me in x y and z components.
 
I think its 1/2 mr^2 in which ase I = .0004 so I (alpha) = .08


F1r - F2r = .08
F2 = -.3 N
 
Ready2GoXtr said:
I think its 1/2 mr^2 in which ase I = .0004
Correct formula, but recheck your arithmetic.
 
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