Angular Momentum of Glass on a String

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the conservation of angular momentum to explain a picture of a person holding onto a cork attached to a horizontal rod and releasing it, causing the cork to swing around the rod and the glass to remain stationary. The conversation also explores the motion of the cork if the glass was held stationary and the potential forces at play in the system.
  • #1
bugatti79
794
1
Hi Folks,

Problem Statement

How would one use the conservation of angular momentum to explain the attached picture?
The rod is held fixed horizontally..the person holds on to the cork and then let's go...apparently the glass is saved due to this conservation...

Relevant Equations

Momentum P=m*v

Attempted Answer

Letting go of the cork..I suspect the cork to fall under gravity while the glass is pulling it horizontally due to gravity.
The cork will then spin around the horizontal bar.
Not sure how one would use conservation of momentum to describe what is happening quantitatively?

Regards
B
 

Attachments

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  • #2
If the glass was held stationary, what would the motion of the cork be when it was released? I would expect it to swing downward in a circular motion, then back upward on the opposite side, almost to the height from where it was initially released. (Friction and air resistance would prevent it from reaching the original height.)

So why would you expect it to wrap around the rod in the case where the glass was released? Would it? If so, what would cause that to happen? It would have to reach a height higher than its original height. What could cause that - if it did indeed happen?
 
  • #3
bugatti79 said:
How would one use the conservation of angular momentum to explain the attached picture?
In the system of glass, cork, and string, what unknown external force is there? How can you take moments in such a way that a given external force is irrelevant?
 

1. What is Angular Momentum?

Angular momentum is a physical quantity that describes the rotational motion of an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity.

2. How is Angular Momentum related to Glass on a String?

In the context of glass on a string, angular momentum is important because it describes the spinning motion of the glass as it rotates around the string. This rotational motion is caused by the tension in the string and the force of gravity acting on the glass.

3. What factors affect the Angular Momentum of Glass on a String?

The main factors that affect the angular momentum of glass on a string are the length and mass of the string, the mass and shape of the glass, and the speed at which the glass is rotated. These factors can all impact the moment of inertia and angular velocity of the system, thus affecting its angular momentum.

4. How does Angular Momentum change when the Glass on a String is spinning?

According to the law of conservation of angular momentum, the total angular momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external torque. Therefore, as the glass on a string spins, its angular momentum will remain constant unless there is an external force or torque acting on it.

5. What real-life applications involve Angular Momentum of Glass on a String?

The concept of angular momentum is important in many areas of physics and engineering, including the design and operation of spinning objects such as gyroscopes, spinning tops, and rotating machinery. It is also relevant in the study of celestial bodies and their orbits, as well as in understanding the behavior of atoms and subatomic particles.

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