Angular Momentum: Problem w/Calculating MoI at 100cm

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating angular momentum and moment of inertia for a system involving a particle and a meterstick. The particle has a mass of 0.400 kg and is attached to the 100-cm mark of a meterstick weighing 0.100 kg, which rotates at an angular speed of 4.00 rad/s. The confusion arises regarding the use of 0.5 m as the radius for calculating the moment of inertia instead of 0.4 m, which is clarified by the fact that the moment of inertia is calculated about the pivot point at the 50-cm mark, making 0.5 m the correct distance from the pivot.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum (L = Iω)
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics
  • Basic principles of physics regarding mass distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of moment of inertia for different shapes and mass distributions
  • Learn about the parallel axis theorem for calculating moment of inertia
  • Explore angular momentum conservation in rotational systems
  • Investigate the effects of pivot points on rotational motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to angular momentum and moment of inertia.

EngrStud
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I need some clarification on a homework problem related to angular momentum. I understand how to calculate the angular momentum by using L= IW but when calculating the moment of intertia for the particle i don't understand why to use .5m as the radius instead of .4m due to being placed at the 100 cm mark. From all the answers I've seen online and in the back of the book, the answer is calculated using .5m as the radius.

1. Homework Statement

A particle of mass 0.400 kg is attached to the 100-cm
mark of a meterstick of mass 0.100 kg. The meterstick
rotates on the surface of a frictionless, horizontal
table with an angular speed of 4.00 rad/s. Calculate
the angular momentum of the system when the stick
is pivoted about an axis

(a) perpendicular to the table
through the 50.0-cm mark and

(b) perpendicular to
the table through the 0-cm mark.
 
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EngrStud said:
I need some clarification on a homework problem related to angular momentum. I understand how to calculate the angular momentum by using L= IW but when calculating the moment of intertia for the particle i don't understand why to use .5m as the radius instead of .4m due to being placed at the 100 cm mark. From all the answers I've seen online and in the back of the book, the answer is calculated using .5m as the radius.

1. Homework Statement

A particle of mass 0.400 kg is attached to the 100-cm
mark of a meterstick of mass 0.100 kg. The meterstick
rotates on the surface of a frictionless, horizontal
table with an angular speed of 4.00 rad/s. Calculate
the angular momentum of the system when the stick
is pivoted about an axis

(a) perpendicular to the table
through the 50.0-cm mark and

(b) perpendicular to
the table through the 0-cm mark.

Where comes 0.4 m as radius come from? The meter stick is 100 cm long, and rotates about the axis going through its middle.
 

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