Angular momentum of spinning mass on wheel

In summary, an object of mass 2 kg is held in circular motion by a string of negligible mass. Initially, the radius is 1 m and the tangential velocity is 4 m/s. The string is gradually let out until the radius doubles to 2 m, with no frictional or resistive forces present. By conserving angular momentum, the final tangential velocity is found to be 2 m/s.
  • #1
elemis
163
1

Homework Statement



An object of mass 2 kg is held in circular motion by a string of negligible mass.
Initially the radius is 1 m and the tangential velocity is 4 m/s. The string is
subsequently let out gradually until the radius doubles to 2 m. There are no
frictional or resistive forces present. What is the final tangential velocity?


Homework Equations


v=wr
L=Iw


The Attempt at a Solution



Initially the angular momentum is : 2*12*[itex]\frac{4}{1}[/itex] = L = 8

By conservation of angular momentum we should have L = 8 when the string becomes 2m long :

2*22*[itex]\frac{v^2}{2}[/itex] = 8 v=20.5

Is this correct ?
 
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  • #2
In your equation for the final angular momentum, you squared the velocity. Is that correct?
 
  • #3
TSny said:
In your equation for the final angular momentum, you squared the velocity. Is that correct?

Yes, is that a problem ?
 
  • #4
Did you square the velocity when finding the initial angular momentum? Why should it be squared in the final angular momentum?
 
  • #5
TSny said:
Did you square the velocity when finding the initial angular momentum? Why should it be squared in the final angular momentum?

Ooops ! I have absolutely no idea where that came in from. YIKES !

So final tangential velocity is 2, correct ?
 
  • #6
Yes, that's the correct answer.
 

What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the amount of rotational motion an object has. It is calculated by multiplying the object's moment of inertia by its angular velocity.

How is angular momentum related to spinning mass on a wheel?

The spinning mass on a wheel is an example of an object with angular momentum, as it has both a moment of inertia (due to its mass and distribution) and an angular velocity (due to its spinning motion).

What factors affect the angular momentum of a spinning mass on a wheel?

The angular momentum of a spinning mass on a wheel is affected by its mass, the distribution of that mass, and its angular velocity. The larger the mass or the faster the rotation, the greater the angular momentum.

Is angular momentum conserved for a spinning mass on a wheel?

Yes, angular momentum is conserved for a spinning mass on a wheel (or any other rotating object) as long as there are no external torques acting on the system.

How can the angular momentum of a spinning mass on a wheel be changed?

The angular momentum of a spinning mass on a wheel can be changed by applying an external torque to the system. This can be done by changing the mass or distribution of the object, or by changing the angular velocity (either by speeding up or slowing down the rotation).

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