Checking a Problem: Speed of Bending Rod Tip

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    Bending Rod Speed
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a thin rod bent into a quarter circle, which is set to rotate about the x-axis. The original poster attempts to determine the speed of the tip of the rod as it rotates to a vertical position, focusing on concepts of potential energy and moment of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their calculations for potential energy and moment of inertia, questioning the validity of their moment of inertia result. Some participants seek clarification on terminology, specifically the term "thing rod."

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the definitions and calculations presented. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations, and some guidance on terminology has been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted potential confusion regarding the term used to describe the rod, which may affect understanding of the problem setup. The original poster's calculations are based on specific assumptions about the rod's shape and mass distribution.

Ja4Coltrane
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I made up a problem and wanted to make sure that I did everything right.

A thing rod with mass M is bent into the shape of a quarter circle with radius R. It is positioned so that it looks like the arc made as theta moves from terminal position (+ x axis) to 90 degrees counterclockwise. I am going to let this arc rotate freely about the x-axis. My problem is to determine the speed of the tip of the wire when it has rotated all the way to the bottom.

First I calculated the potential energy of the rod using the x-axis as a refrence frame. I did this by integrating over the rod noting that the height of each piece is Rsin@

U=(2/pi)MgR.

Then I calculated the moment of inertia using the same integration techniques.

I=(1/2)MR^2

(Is that really true??!)

Finally I doubled the initial potential energy to get the kinetic when it has spun around and set that equal to (1/2)Iw^2

v=4[gR/pi]^(1/2)

If anyone would check this I would be very appreciative.
 
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Should I perhaps move this question to a different forum?
 
define "thing rod"
 
403036387 said:
define "thing rod"
He means thin rod.
 

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