Angular momentum + linear momentum =confusion. HElp me?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of velocities of the center of mass of a point object and a rod when an impulse is applied. Participants explore the implications of linear and angular momentum in a frictionless horizontal plane, questioning how these factors influence the resulting velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the velocity of the center of mass of the point object (v1) is greater than that of the rod (v2) because the impulse affects only linear momentum in the first case, while in the second case, it affects both linear and angular momentum.
  • Another participant claims that the velocities v1 and v2 are equal, prompting questions about the reasoning behind this assertion.
  • A participant explains that the linear component of acceleration of the center of mass of the rod is equal to the force applied divided by the mass, regardless of where the force is applied, suggesting that this leads to equal velocities.
  • Further elaboration indicates that if the force is applied at the end of the rod, the inertial resistance is lower, which may affect the rate of acceleration and the resulting momentum change.
  • There is a request for clarification on the angular momentum of the rod and the velocity of the center of mass after the impulse is applied, particularly when the impulse is applied perpendicularly.
  • A participant notes that if the impulse is applied over a long period, the rod may exhibit complex motion, including rotation and back-and-forth swinging, complicating the analysis of the center of mass velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the velocities v1 and v2 are equal, with some asserting equality while others believe they are not. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore various aspects of the problem without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight assumptions regarding the direction of the applied impulse and the nature of the motion of the rod, including the effects of inertia and the duration of the impulse application. These factors contribute to the complexity of the discussion.

vkash
Messages
316
Reaction score
1
which one will faster?

consider two cases
case 1: A impulse P is applied to a point object of mass m.velocity of center of mass is v1

case 2: A impulse P is applied to one end of a rod of mass m length l .velocity of center of mass is v2(It will rotate also!)

NOTE: all the things are happening in frictional less horizontal plane so g will not matter.

which is greater v1 or v2.
I think v1
because in first case impulse given P is responsible for only change in Linear momentum but in second case applied impulse is responsible for change in linear as well as angular momentum of rod.

I ask this question because there is a question in my book similar to case 2 and they ask velocity of center of mass of rod. If it is point object(as in case 1) then it is definitely [itex]\frac{P}{M}[/itex] but in case of rod i think it should smaller than [itex]\frac{P}{M}[/itex]. But how to calculate that?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
vkash said:
which is greater v1 or v2.
They are the equal.
 
A.T. said:
They are the equal.

HOW?
where am i wrong.
 
vkash said:
How?
The linear component of acceleration of the center of mass of the rod is equal to the linear component of force / mass, regardless of the point of application of that force. In the case where the force is applied to the end of a rod perpendicular to the direction of P, then initially, there's less inertial resistance to the force, so in order for the force to remain the same, the rate of acceleration at the point of application of the force has to be greater if the inertial resistance is lower. The force ends up being applied at a greater speed and over a longer distance, which results in a greater change in total momentum (linear and angular).

You also have to assume that the direction of P remains constant regardless of the rotation of the rod and that there's no slippage when applying the force. The direction of the center of mass of the rod will be the same as the direction of P. If the impulse P occurs over a long period of time, the motion is complex; during the time the impluse P is being applied, the rod rotates back and forth, including the end point where impulse P is being applied.
 
Last edited:
rcgldr said:
The linear component of acceleration is equal to force / mass, regardless of the point of application of that force. In the case where the force is applied to the end of a rod perpendicular to the direction of P, then initially, there's less inertial resistance to the force, so in order for the force to remain the same, the rate of acceleration at the point of application of the force has to be greater if the inertial resistance is lower. The force ends up being applied at a greater speed and over a longer distance, which results in a greater change in total momentum (linear and angular).

You also have to assume that the direction of P remains constant regardless of the rotation of the rod and that there's no slippage when applying the force. If the impulse is strong (force) enough and long (time) enough, the rod doesn't really rotate, but instead will swing back and forth like a pendulum with the pivot point at the point of application of the impulse P on the end of the rod, during the time that the impulse P is being applied.
Does not understand fully. what is angular momentum of rod and velocity of center of mass after impulse has been imparted. Impulse is imparted perpendicularly on the end of rod.
Can you please solve this for me.
 
vkash said:
Does not understand fully.
I just udpated my previous post. Assuming the direction of P is constant, the direction of the center of mass of the rod is the same as the direction of P. If the impulse P occurs over a long enough period of time, the rod rotates back and forth, including the end of the rod where the impulse P is being applied.

As mentioned by A. T., the velocity of the center of mass of the rod is the same as the velocity of a point mass after impulse P is applied. It might help to visualize this by considering the direction of P to be horizontal. Since there's no vertical force, there's no vertical acceleration of the center of mass. In the case of the rod, the point of application of P (but not it's direction) will be moving vertically over time (since the center of mass is moving horizontally while the rod rotates back and forth).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K