Calculating Linear and Rotational Kinetic Energy for a Yo-Yo

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating linear and rotational kinetic energy for a yo-yo, focusing on its motion as it rolls down a string. The problem involves understanding the relationships between linear acceleration, angular acceleration, and the forces acting on the yo-yo.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to determine linear acceleration, with some attempting to apply Newton's laws and others questioning the assumptions made regarding forces and torques. There is also a focus on the relationship between linear and angular quantities.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the forces acting on the yo-yo and the resulting equations, while others have expressed uncertainty about the correct application of these principles. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the problem, with no clear consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the rotational inertia and the specific setup of the yo-yo, including the radius of the axle and the mass distribution. There are mentions of potential confusion with similar problems involving different objects, such as spools.

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Yo-Yo's Inertia A yo-yo has a rotational inertia of 810 g · cm2 and a mass of 190 g. Its axle radius is 3.6 mm, and its string is 70 cm long. The yo-yo rolls from rest down to the end of the string.

I've tried 4 or 5 ways to get linear accel, but none work. b, c, d, and e are straight forward once you get a, but I haven't been able to successfully get it. Can anyone show me how to go about getting linear accel? Thanks

(a) What is its linear acceleration?
cm/s2
(b) How long does it take to reach the end of the string?
s
(c) As it reaches the end of the string, what is its linear speed?
cm/s
(d) As it reaches the end of the string, what is itstranslational kinetic energy?
J
(e) As it reaches the end of the string, what is its rotational kinetic energy?
J
(f) As it reaches the end of the string, what is its angular speed?
 
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you will need to use a = \frac {+}{-} \alpha R

where r is the radius of the yo-yo. You will need to find oud whether to take the + or the minus sign. Just figure out whether a (tangential acceleration) and alpha (angular acceleration) are in the same direction or opposite to each other.

You will also need both versions of Netwon's second law

F = ma
I \alpha = \tau

marlon
 
As an addendum : realize that there are two forces acting on th yo-yo : the tension T and gravity Mg. Suppose that the y-axis is pointing upwards. Then also realiz that the rope is fixed with the yo-yo on the right side so that if the yo-yo is falling down, you have a rotation counterclockwise. This yields that alpha is positive and the torque is also positive.

The acceleration a is negative because the movement is downwards.

Ma = T-Mg

What will the second versio of Newton's second law yield ?

The solution for a must be a = \frac {-g}{1+ \frac{I}{MR^2}}

Where I is the rotational inertia of the yo-yo and R it's radius

marlon
 
Ive done this proof befoure and I believe that the linear acceleration is \frac{2}{3} g

Regards,

Nenad
 
Nenad said:
Ive done this proof befoure and I believe that the linear acceleration is \frac{2}{3} g

Regards,

Nenad

How do you come to this conclusion ?

marlon
 
Nenad said:
Ive done this proof befoure and I believe that the linear acceleration is \frac{2}{3} g

Regards,

Nenad

And how does this help the OP in understanding the problem? BlasterV, why don't you try the problem using what marlon has posted.
 
Sirus said:
And how does this help the OP in understanding the problem? BlasterV, why don't you try the problem using what marlon has posted.

I am simply giving the answer to him so he can make sure his work is correct. I am not going to post how I got it since marlon alwready posted the method. If you would like to know, feel free to pm me and I will write it all out for you so you can see the solution.

Regards,

Nenad
 
marlon said:
How do you come to this conclusion ?

marlon

If you would like to know, pm me and I will write it out for you. The answer you wrote can be generalized for all kinds of yo-yo's.

Regards,

Nenad
 
Nenad said:
Ive done this proof befoure and I believe that the linear acceleration is \frac{2}{3} g
I think you are confusing this (yo-yo) problem with another: A falling spool (cylinder) unwinding as it falls. In that special case, I = 1/2 MR^2 where R is the radius of the cylinder (the cylinder is the axle). Plug that into marlon's general solution and you'll get a = 2/3 g.

But marlon gave the correct solution for the given yo-yo problem.
 
  • #10
Doc Al said:
I think you are confusing this (yo-yo) problem with another: A falling spool (cylinder) unwinding as it falls. In that special case, I = 1/2 MR^2 where R is the radius of the cylinder (the cylinder is the axle). Plug that into marlon's general solution and you'll get a = 2/3 g.

But marlon gave the correct solution for the given yo-yo problem.

My mistake. Sorry about that marlon.

Regards,

Nenad
 
  • #11
so...

Nenad said:
My mistake. Sorry about that marlon.

Regards,

Nenad

so, also assuming that the yo-yo's string has zero thickness, so that it can wind around the axle in one layer, the mass of the yoyo plus the radius of the axle should provide some inkling as to the torque that the string applies to the yoyo, and that torque, when applied to the rotational inertia of the yoyo will determine how fast it spins up (as it falls down... :smile: ) and that will lead to answers to maximum rotational velocity, linear velocity, etc...

such fun!
 

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