Angular velocity of a rod rotating around a vertical axis

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular velocity of a homogeneous rod rotating around a vertical axis at an angle θ with the vertical. The derived formula for angular velocity is ω = √(3g/2L cos(θ)). Key equations utilized include τ = r x F, I = 1/3 mL², and τ = Iα. A common misconception addressed is the relationship between angular acceleration and angular velocity, clarifying that α = dω/dt, not dω/dθ.

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  • Understanding of rotational dynamics, specifically torque and angular acceleration.
  • Familiarity with the moment of inertia for a rod, I = 1/3 mL².
  • Basic knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to angular acceleration.
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly integration techniques.
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alaix
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Homework Statement



An homogeneous rod is fixed to an extremity and is rotating around a vertical axis, doing an angle of theta with the vertical. (in the scheme I made I wrote alpha but it's theta! (θ))

If the length of the rod is L, show that the angular velocity needed to make it turn is

\omega = \sqrt{3g/2L cos(θ)}
9hCQw.png


Homework Equations



\tau = r x F
I = 1/2 m L²

\tau = I\alpha

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is what I tried

I considered that all the exterior forces (ie. gravity) was acting on the center of mass of the rod, which is situated in the middle, at L/2.

Therefore

Torque = r x F = 1/2 L mg sin(θ)

Torque = I\alpha

Where I = 1/3 mL²

Therefore

\alpha = \frac{3mgL sin(θ)}{2mL^{2}} = \frac{3g sin(θ)}{2L}

Since I'm looking for the angular VELOCITY, and since angular acceleration = d\omega/dθ

\alpha dθ = d\omega

By integrating both sides I find

\omega = -\frac{3g cos(θ)}{2L}


Which is ALMOST the answer I'm looking for... what am I missing?

Thanks!
 

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alaix said:

Homework Statement



An homogeneous rod is fixed to an extremity and is rotating around a vertical axis, doing an angle of theta with the vertical. (in the scheme I made I wrote alpha but it's theta! (θ))

If the length of the rod is L, show that the angular velocity needed to make it turn is

\omega = \sqrt{3g/2L cos(θ)}

There is a lot of ambiguity here as to what the final answer is supposed to be. You should include some extra parentheses under the square root sign to make it clear what's in the numerator and what's in the denominator.

alaix said:

Homework Equations



Since I'm looking for the angular VELOCITY, and since angular acceleration = d\omega/dθ

\alpha dθ = d\omega

No, actually that's wrong: \alpha \neq d\omega/d\theta. Rather, \alpha = d\omega / dt.
 

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