Calculating Rotational Kinetic Energy of a Clock's Hands

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total rotational kinetic energy of a clock's hands, specifically focusing on the hour and minute hands modeled as long thin rods. Participants are exploring the application of relevant equations in the context of rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate rotational kinetic energy using the moment of inertia and rotational velocities. There is a question regarding the correct formula for moment of inertia and whether the factor used should be adjusted based on the pivot point.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance on the calculations, noting the omission of the factor of one-half in the kinetic energy formula. The discussion appears to be moving towards clarification of the calculations rather than reaching a consensus on a final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have misunderstood the application of the moment of inertia formula for the specific setup of the clock's hands. The discussion also reflects on the implications of using different pivot points for the calculation.

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[SOLVED] Energy in Rotational Motion

There is a clock that has an hour hand 2.7m long with a mass of 60 kg. The minute hand is 4.5m log with a mass of 100 kg. What is the total rotational kinetic energy assuming the hands act as long thin rods?



K=I*rotation vel.^2
I=(1/3) ML^2 ( I think this is the right equation to use)



Ok so first I found the rotational velocities. The minute hand move 1 rev./60min and the hour hand moves 1rev/12hrs. Next I converted them into rads/sec. giving a rotational velocity of .000145444 rads/sec for the first one and .001745329 rads/sec on the second.
Then I went back and plugged in all the numbers for the K equation. [(1/3)*60*2.7^2*.000145444] + [(1/3)*100*4.5^2*.001745329]. This gave me an answer of .00206. This answer is about double what the answer should be (.00103). The only place I thik I may have gone wrong is at the (1/3). Should it (1/6) because the rods are pivoting in between the center of mass (which would use (1/12)) and the end (which is the (1/3) that I used)? Could someone please help me see where I went wrong?
 
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At first glance, I noticed you did not square your rotational velocities.
 
Rotational kinetic energy is [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]*[tex]I[/tex]*[tex]\omega^{2}[/tex], so I think that's where you're getting twice the intended answer.
 
Thank you! I hadn't taken the 1/2 into consideration! That solves it!
 

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