Angular Velocity, Momentum, and Kinetic Energy

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular velocity, angular momentum, and rotational kinetic energy of a merry-go-round with a mass of 1000 kg and a diameter of 4 m, subjected to a tangential force of 500 N for 10 seconds. The initial calculations yield an angular velocity of 1.25 radians/sec, angular momentum of 2500 Nxmxs, and rotational kinetic energy of 1562.5 J. When a 1 kg girl is added to the rim, the conservation of angular momentum principle is applied to determine the final rotational kinetic energy and angular velocity, emphasizing that the system's angular momentum remains constant despite the added mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity and angular momentum concepts
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations and rotational dynamics
  • Knowledge of conservation laws in physics, specifically angular momentum
  • Basic proficiency in performing calculations involving forces and torques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of angular momentum in closed systems
  • Learn about the moment of inertia and its calculation for various shapes
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular motion
  • Investigate the effects of point masses on rotational systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding rotational dynamics and the effects of mass on angular motion.

xobeckynoel
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1. A merry go round (1000kg) initially at rest with a diameter of 4m is pushed with a tangential force of 500N for 10s. Find the angular velocity, angular momentum, and rotational kinetic energy. After this, a little girl (mass - 1 kg) is placed on the rim of the merry go round.. Calculate the final rKE, final angular velocity, and what fraction of the initial rotational KE is lost as heat.



2. I used-
s = r x theta
F = ma
v = d/t
a = v/t
c = pi x d
angular velocity (w) = theta / t
angular momentum (L) = Inertia / w
rKE = 1/2 I w^2




3. By using the basic kinematic equations I got that d = 50m, and then calculated that to be 25 radians. I found theta to be 12.5 radians, and then using the equations found w = 1.25 radians/sec, L = 2500 Nxmxs, and KE = 1562.5 J.

For part B, it says to assume the little girl is a point mass- I am assuming she will decrease the acceleration because she increases the mass... but then I'm still missing time variables. HELP!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi xobeckynoel! welcome to pf! :smile:

(have a theta: θ and an omega: ω and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
xobeckynoel said:
By using the basic kinematic equations I got that d = 50m, and then calculated that to be 25 radians. I found theta to be 12.5 radians, and then using the equations found w = 1.25 radians/sec, L = 2500 Nxmxs, and KE = 1562.5 J.

it's difficult to check your work unless you show your full calculations :wink:
For part B, it says to assume the little girl is a point mass- I am assuming she will decrease the acceleration because she increases the mass... but then I'm still missing time variables.

i think you're misinterpreting the question …

the force (and the acceleration) has stopped before the girl gets on …

the merry-go-round has constant angular velocity both before and after she gets on, and you need to use conservation of angular momentum (momentum and angular momentum are always conserved if there is no relevant external force or torque :wink:)
 

Similar threads

Replies
67
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
7K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
335
Views
17K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K