Angular Momentum: Puck Spinning

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of work done on a puck with a mass of 0.120 kg, initially positioned 40.0 cm from the center of rotation and moving at a speed of 80.0 cm/s. The string is pulled downward by 15.0 cm, affecting the puck's angular momentum and kinetic energy. The conservation of angular momentum is applied, leading to the conclusion that the moment of inertia is correctly defined as mr², not 1/2 mr². The discrepancy in kinetic energy calculations is clarified, emphasizing the correct application of the formulas for angular momentum and kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its conservation principles
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations, specifically KE = 1/2 I ω²
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia, defined as I = mr²
  • Basic grasp of rotational motion and its relationship to linear motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular momentum formulas, particularly mvr
  • Learn about the relationship between linear and angular velocity
  • Explore advanced applications of conservation of angular momentum in various physical systems
  • Investigate the implications of moment of inertia in different rotational scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts of angular momentum and kinetic energy calculations.

minimario
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Homework Statement


The puck in the figure shown below has a mass of 0.120 kg. Its original distance from the center of rotation is 40.0 cm, and it moves with a speed of 80.0 cm/s. The string is pulled downward 15.0 cm through the hole in the frictionless table. Determine the work done on the puck.

4gWOb2a.png

Homework Equations



## L = I \omega##
##KE = 1/2 \cdot I \cdot \omega^2 ##

The Attempt at a Solution



Consider angular momentum. Note it's conserved.

Therefore, ## \frac{1}{2}mr_i^2 \omega_i = \frac{1}{2} mr_f^2 \omega_f \Rightarrow r_i^2 \omega_i =r_f^2 \omega_f ##

Note that ##\omega_i = 80 cm/s = 2 rad/s## (because 2pi radians is one revolution, which is 80pi cm, so 1 radian is 40 cm)

Threrefore, ##0.40^2 \cdot 2 = 0.25^2 \cdot \omega_f \Rightarrow \omega_f = 5.12##

Note that Work Done is the change in kinetic energy. KE initial is equal to ## 1/2 (1/2 \cdot 0.12 \cdot 0.4*0.4) \cdot 2^2 ## (1/2 Iw^2 = 1/2 (1/2mr^2)w^2). KE final is simialrly equal to ## 1/2 (1/2 \cdot 0.12 \cdot 0.25 \cdot 0.25 \cdot 5.12^2##.

We can do the calculation, to get the change as 0.029952. But the book says answer is 5.99*10^-2.

What's wrong?
 
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minimario said:
KE initial is equal to ## 1/2 (1/2 \cdot 0.12 \cdot 0.4*0.4) \cdot 2^2 ## (1/2 Iw^2 = 1/2 (1/2mr^2)w^2). KE final is simialrly equal to ## 1/2 (1/2 \cdot 0.12 \cdot 0.25 \cdot 0.25 \cdot 5.12^2##.
What's the (extra) factor of 1/2 for? (I see an extra one in both initial and final KE's)

You don't even need to bother with angular velocities. (You can solve it that way if you'd like, but it's redundant.) You can just use the angular momentum of a particle = mvr
 
minimario said:
##KE = 1/2 \cdot I \cdot \omega^2 ##

##\ldots##

Therefore, ## \frac{1}{2}mr_i^2 \omega_i = \frac{1}{2} mr_f^2 \omega_f \Rightarrow r_i^2 \omega_i =r_f^2 \omega_f ##

Do you see the discrepancy between the two quoted lines?
 
Last edited:
Nathanael said:
What's the (extra) factor of 1/2 for? (I see an extra one in both initial and final KE's)

You don't even need to bother with angular velocities. (You can solve it that way if you'd like, but it's redundant.) You can just use the angular momentum of a particle = mvr

How do you get that angular momentum of a particle = mvr

@tms, EDIT: No, the kinetic energy isn't being calculated there. That's the conservation of angular momentum, which is Iw.

FINAL EDIT: I see the problem now. Moment of inertia is mr^2, not 1/2 mr^2.
 
minimario said:
How do you get that angular momentum of a particle = mvr
Angular momentum of a particle equals Iω, but I=mr2, so the angular momentum is mωr2
Since, ωr=v, the angular velocity is mvr
 
Nathanael said:
Angular momentum of a particle equals Iω, but I=mr2, so the angular momentum is mωr2
Since, ωr=v, the angular velocity is mvr
You mean, the angular momentum is mvr, yes?
 
haruspex said:
You mean, the angular momentum is mvr, yes?
Oops! Mindless typo, thanks.
 

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