A spinning top - moment of inertia/ Torque/ Angular momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics assignment involving a spinning top, focusing on concepts such as torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum. Participants are addressing specific parts of the problem that combine these principles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about how to represent the force vector in the torque equation and admits to struggling with specific parts of the problem. Other participants clarify that gravity is the only force acting on the top and provide insights into torque as a vector, suggesting expressions for torque and moment of inertia.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and clarifications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the representation of torque and the relationship between angular momentum and torque, but there is no explicit consensus on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of clarity on certain parts of the assignment, specifically parts 2, 3, and 4, which may imply constraints on the information provided or the complexity of the problem.

Theknight330
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Hey guys,

I have this really annoying last question on my assignment which is a pain. It combines 3 physics principles together.


I am having problems specifically with 2) 3) and 4)

2)I know that T = | r x F |, but what kind of general vector do I use to represent F?
4) I have no clue how to do this one unfortunately.

The question should be in the attached thumbnail
 

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The only force acting on the top is gravity.
 
For part b, note that torque is a vector: [tex]\vec{T}=\vec{r}\times m\vec{g}[/tex] as the torque is calculated about the origin. You can express [tex]\vec{r}=d\hat{r}[/tex].

For part c, the problem has already given you the answer. Just plug moment of inertial in.

For part d, again, the problem has already shown you the way. Substitute L and T found earlier in the equation: [tex]\vec{T}=d\vec{L}/dt[/tex]. You have known that the top will rotate around the Y axis beside spinning very fast about its own axis of symmetry (because of this "very fast" spin, we can achieve L as in part c). That means the [tex]\hat{r}[/tex] vector will rotate around the Y axis just like the shaft. If so, then how would you relate [tex]d\hat{r}/dt[/tex] , the angular speed of the rotation about the Y axis [tex]\Omega[/tex] and the vector [tex]\hat{r} \times \hat{g}[/tex]. Note that [tex]\hat{g}[/tex] is only a unit vector whose direction is downward, nothing special. Find [tex]\Omega[/tex] and then the time needed.
 
Nice one Jong trying to get the internet to solve the final question.
 
hahahahhaa oh that's classic mate!
 
hey clive this doesn't help at all so stop trying to get the answer from it.
 

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