Angular velocity and moment of inertia

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the angular velocity and moment of inertia of a wheel connected to a suitcase. The user initially calculated the angular velocity as 8.75 rad/s, which was confirmed as correct. However, the moment of inertia was questioned as being too large at 12.9 kg*m². Upon further examination, it was revealed that the user mistakenly used the mass of the suitcase as 15 kg instead of 0.15 kg, leading to incorrect calculations. The importance of using proper SI units was emphasized to avoid such errors in future calculations.
kikidoll
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Could you let me know if my answers are correct?

Homework Statement


A light rope is wrapped several times around a large wheel with a radius of 0.400m. The wheel rotates in frictionless bearings about a stationary horizontal axis. The free end of the rope is tied to a suitcase with a mass of 0.15kg. The suitcase is released from rest at a height of 4.00m above the ground. The suitcase has a speed of 3.50 m/s when it reaches the ground.
Calculate:
A) the angular velocity of the wheel when it reaches the ground and
B) the moment of inertia of the wheel

Homework Equations


A) angular velocity (w) = speed/radius
B) mgh = 1/2 mv2 + 1/2Iw2

The Attempt at a Solution



After using these equations I found angular velocity to be 8.75 rad/s and the moment of inertia to be 12.9 kg*m2.

Correct or incorrect? Thanks for you help.
 
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kikidoll said:
Could you let me know if my answers are correct?

Homework Statement


A light rope is wrapped several times around a large wheel with a radius of 0.400m. The wheel rotates in frictionless bearings about a stationary horizontal axis. The free end of the rope is tied to a suitcase with a mass of 0.15kg. The suitcase is released from rest at a height of 4.00m above the ground. The suitcase has a speed of 3.50 m/s when it reaches the ground.
Calculate:
A) the angular velocity of the wheel when it reaches the ground and
B) the moment of inertia of the wheel

Homework Equations


A) angular velocity (w) = speed/radius
B) mgh = 1/2 mv2 + 1/2Iw2

The Attempt at a Solution



After using these equations I found angular velocity to be 8.75 rad/s and the moment of inertia to be 12.9 kg*m2.

Correct or incorrect? Thanks for you help.

With ω = v/r then 8.75 looks ok.

But your I looks a little large.

m*g*h is total energy to start with dividing by ω2 where ω2 looks a lot bigger than m*g*h doesn't look right.
 
Thanks for the reply. I also though I was rather large, but with my calculations that's what I ended up getting... strange.
 
kikidoll said:
Thanks for the reply. I also though I was rather large, but with my calculations that's what I ended up getting... strange.

I think you've done something wrong.

Maybe show your numbers and how you got there.
 
A) w = v/r = (3.50)/(0.400) = 8.75 rad/s

B) Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
Ki and Uf = 0

Ui = Kf
mgh = 1/2 mv2 + 1/2Iw2
(15)(9.8)(4) = 1/2 (15)(3.5)2 + 1/2 (I) (8.75)2
588 = 91.9 + 38.3(I)
496.1 = 38.3(I)
I = 12.9 kgm2
 
kikidoll said:
A) w = v/r = (3.50)/(0.400) = 8.75 rad/s

B) Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
Ki and Uf = 0

Ui = Kf
mgh = 1/2 mv2 + 1/2Iw2
(15)(9.8)(4) = 1/2 (15)(3.5)2 + 1/2 (I) (8.75)2
588 = 91.9 + 38.3(I)
496.1 = 38.3(I)
I = 12.9 kgm2

Whoa. SI units please.

m = .15kg
 
Oh my gosh I can't believe I did that *facepalms*

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it
 
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