Calculating Velocity for Energy Conservation in Rotating System

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the necessary velocity for a rotating system of two balls of mass m to reach a horizontal position. The initial attempt incorrectly used the center of mass to derive the velocity, leading to an erroneous formula. The correct approach involves equating the potential energy (PE) at the horizontal position to the kinetic energy (KE) at the lowest point, emphasizing the relationship between the balls' velocities. The final formula for the velocity of the lowest ball (Vb) is derived as Vb = sqrt(16/3 * gj).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and mass distribution
  • Basic knowledge of algebra and square root calculations
  • Experience with energy conservation principles in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Learn about the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy
  • Explore rotational dynamics and the concept of center of mass
  • Practice problems involving energy calculations in rotating systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to rotational systems.

Tiba
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



In the image below, there are two balls of mass m attached to a massless rigid metal steam, which can rotate around the point A. Give the necessary velocity to be applied in the lowest ball for the system to reach the horizontal line. Do not consider any system's energy loss.

imagem2.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I considered the center of the mass to be between the balls and established the following relationship:

mv²/2 + mgj/2 = 2mgj
v² = 3gj

This being the velocity of the center of mass.
However, the velocity of the center of mass is 3/4 of the velocity of the lowest ball (Vb), since the radius of center of mass is 3/4 the radius of the lowest ball.
v = 3/4*Vb
3gj = 9/16*Vb²
Vb = sqrt(16/3*gj)

Which is wrong.
Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you care about the center of mass? You just need the potential energies of the balls in the horizontal position, and the kinetic energies in the vertical position. The kinetic energies are related to each other because the balls' velocities are related.
 
What he said. Work out the change in PE required. The system must have at least that much KE at the bottom.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
335
Views
17K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
21
Views
3K