Angular acceleration, density question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two physics problems: one involving angular acceleration of a DVD modeled as a thin uniform cylinder and another concerning the density ratio of ice to water based on buoyancy principles. Participants are exploring the implications of the assumptions made in the problem statements.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of angular acceleration using torque and moment of inertia, questioning the appropriateness of modeling the DVD as a thin cylinder versus a disc. They also explore the implications of Archimedes' principle for the ice cube problem and the forces acting on the ice.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with the problems, with participants providing insights and questioning the assumptions made in the problem statements. Some guidance has been offered regarding the moment of inertia and the application of Archimedes' principle, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretations of the models used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem descriptions, particularly regarding the modeling of the DVD and the definition of a "thin cylinder." There is also a mention of the need for separate threads for unrelated problems.

letsfailsafe
Messages
21
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



First question:
"A DVD player can exert a torque on a DVD of 10−3 N⋅m. What is the DVD’s angular acceleration in rad/s2?

Details and assumptions
  • The DVD has a mass of 0.015 kg and a radius of 0.06 m.
  • A DVD can be modeled as a thin uniform cylinder.
"

Second question:
"A cube of ice 2 cm on a side is floating in a glass of water. You observe that the top of the ice is 0.166 cm above the surface of the water. What is the ratio of the density of ice to the density of water?"

Homework Equations



First question:
α = \tau / I
I = Ʃmr2

The Attempt at a Solution



First question:
α = 0.001 / ((0.015)(0.06)2)
= 18.5185

Not sure how I can do the second question at all...
I've got these two questions from the internet.
Please help me solve these question.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
letsfailsafe said:
α = 0.001 / ((0.015)(0.06)2)
= 18.5185
Yes, given the problem statement, but I'm astonished a DVD is to be modeled as a thin cylinder. A disc would be more reasonable, and that would change the answer.

For the 2nd problem (in future, pls use separate threads for unrelated problems), what determines the volume of the ice that will be below water?
 
α = 0.001 / ((0.015)(0.06)2)
= 18.5185

is not right...
 
1. The moment of inertia of a disc or thin cylinder is

I = 1/2 Mr2

so you are out by a factor of 2.

2. For this question you can start out with Archimedes' principle which states that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the liquid that it displaces.
 
Basic_Physics said:
1. The moment of inertia of a disc or thin cylinder is
I = 1/2 Mr2
For a disc, yes, but not for a thin cylinder about its axis. And it does say cylinder, strange though that is.
Perhaps it meant short fat cylinder, but then why not just say disc?
 
A thin solid cylinder would be a disc?
 
Maybe I usually help 'too much'... :redface: To get started, think about the forces acting on the ice cube.
ƩF=0 ⇔
G=N...
 
Basic_Physics said:
A thin solid cylinder would be a disc?
It doesn't say solid, you've added that. The most obvious interpretation of 'thin cylinder' is that it is a tube with a thin wall, i.e. the cross-section has a narrow annulus. If it means thin the other way, why not say a very short solid cylinder, or even more naturally, a disc? But it is quite possible that the question is just very poorly worded.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K