Calculate Angular Velocity After Ball-Rod Collision

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision between a ball and a rod, where the ball sticks to the end of the rod opposite the pivot. Participants are trying to determine the angular velocity (ω) immediately after the collision, considering the principles of conservation of kinetic energy and angular momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of conservation of kinetic energy and angular momentum to find the angular velocity after the collision. Questions are raised about the validity of assuming kinetic energy conservation in inelastic collisions, and some participants suggest checking results using angular momentum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning assumptions about energy conservation and clarifying the correct expressions for angular momentum. Some have provided calculations, while others are seeking clarification on the results and the reasoning behind them.

Contextual Notes

There are ongoing discussions about the correct expressions for rotational inertia and the implications of the pivot point's location. Participants are also addressing potential errors in previous calculations and assumptions.

Nirmal
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Homework Statement



To understand the question first see the attachment (picture). The ball hits the rod and then it sticks to the end opposite the pivot. So now what is the angular velocity (ω) just after collision.

Homework Equations


1/2m_1v_1^2 + 1/2 I_1ω_1^2 = 1/2mv^2 + 1/2 Iω^2 (conservation of kinetic energy)
I_1ω_1 = I_2ω_2 (conservation of momentum)
I at centre of mass of rod = ML^2/12 where L is the length of rod
I at edge of rod = ML^2/3 where L is the length of rod


The Attempt at a Solution


By conservation of kinetic energy
1/2 M V^2 + 0 = 1/6 M d^2 ω^2 + 0
SO ω = v*sqrt(3)/(d)
 

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You have to ask a question :)

I have a couple for you though:
What leads you to believe that kinetic energy is conserved in this collision?
Did you try checking your result by conservation of angular momentum?
 
You can't use conservation of kinetic energy, because kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions. Some energy will be lost in some way (I would assume most of the lost energy goes towards deforming the ball).


Use conservation of angular momentum. (What is the angular momentum of a ball moving in a straight line?)



edit:
Simon beat me by a hair :-p
 
So how would i do that..
angular momentum of a ball moving in a straight line is zero right. SO is the answer of w = o . Is that right. Or if i am wrong please help me.
 
Ok is the answer w = 12v/(7d^2) or is it 3v/d^2
 
Nirmal said:
Ok is the answer w = 12v/(7d^2) or is it 3v/d^2

Can you explain a little bit about where your answers come from?


P.S.
Your answers have the wrong units
 
MV + 0 = 0 + I w

So here I = Md^2 /3
If a ball is sticked to the end of rod then I becomes Md^2 /3 + Md^2/4 = 7Md^2/12
So solving we get w = 12v/(7d^2)
 
Nirmal said:
MV + 0 = 0 + I w

So here I = Md^2 /3
If a ball is sticked to the end of rod then I becomes Md^2 /3 + Md^2/4 = 7Md^2/12
So solving we get w = 12v/(7d^2)


The angular momentum of the ball before the collision (with respect to the pivot) is not MV (those units are wrong) it is actually MVd (refer to the link in the other post)



Edit: sorry I made a mistake in this post originally. (I was thinking the pivot axis was in the middle)
 
  • #10
Nathanael said:
The angular momentum of the ball before the collision (with respect to the pivot) is not MV (those units are wrong) it is actually MVd/2 (refer to the link in the other post)
But the rod is pivoting at end of rod not at the centre of mass.
 
  • #11
Nirmal said:
But the rod is pivoting at end of rod not at the centre of mass.

Yes, you are correct (I just realized my mistake and edited my post right before this).

It would actually be Mvd
 
  • #12
So will the answer be w=12v/7d
 
  • #13
Nathanael said:
Yes, you are correct (I just realized my mistake and edited my post right before this).

It would actually be Mvd

But 12v/7d is not the correct answer.. I checked it and i got wrong. So what can be the answer.
 
  • #14
Simon Bridge said:
You have to ask a question :)

I have a couple for you though:
What leads you to believe that kinetic energy is conserved in this collision?
Did you try checking your result by conservation of angular momentum?

Can you help me ..
 
  • #15
Nirmal said:
But 12v/7d is not the correct answer..

Why do you say the rotational inertia of the ball is \frac{md^2}{4}?

It should be md^2
 
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  • #16
Nathanael said:
Why do you say the rotational inertia of the ball is \frac{md^2}{4}?

It should be md^2

Yes. That was the mistake. Now i realize. Thank you
 

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