Conservation of Angular Momentum; angle of rotation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of angular momentum in a system involving a block sliding down a frictionless ramp and colliding with a uniform rod. The block, with mass m, collides inelastically with the rod of mass 2m, resulting in a combined system that rotates about a pivot. The angular speed ω immediately after the collision is calculated as √6gh/5L², and the kinetic energy post-collision is (9/5)(mgh). The key challenge is determining the angle θ through which the system rotates before coming to rest, emphasizing the need to apply conservation of angular momentum and energy principles correctly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inelastic collisions and momentum conservation
  • Familiarity with angular momentum concepts
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in mechanical systems
  • Basic proficiency in kinematics and rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of inelastic collisions and their effects on momentum
  • Learn about the conservation of angular momentum in rotating systems
  • Explore energy conservation during the swinging motion post-collision
  • Investigate the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity in rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone studying mechanics, particularly those focusing on angular momentum and energy conservation in dynamic systems.

Knight to b2
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Homework Statement


A block of mass m slides down a frictionless ramp from height h above the floor. At the base of the ramp it collides and sticks to the lower end of a uniform rod, length L, mass 2m, that is suspended about a pivot at point O, about which it is free to rotate. Express answers in terms of m, g, h, and L.
Find the angle θ through which the system rotates before momentarily coming to rest after the collision.

Homework Equations


I used conservation of energy to determine angular speed ω immediately after collision: Ei = Ef
I used v = Rω to find kinetic energy of the system after collision.

The Attempt at a Solution


I found ω to be √6gh/5L^2 ; I found kinetic energy after the collision to be (9/5)(mgh). However, I'm at a loss at how to find the angle θ. I tried using conservation of angular momentum but became confused - if the initial point is immediately after collision and the final point is when the system is momentarily at rest, that means Li = 0. There has to be a mistake in my reasoning somewhere; I need help bridging this gap I have in my angular knowledge.
 
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Hello, and welcome to PF! :smile:

Note:
(1) "collides and sticks" ⇒ inelastic collision.
(2) What quantity is actually conserved during the collision?
(3) Angular momentum is not conserved for the "swinging up" after the collision. What quantity is conserved for the swing up?
 
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Ah, so

1) and 2) Since it is an inelastic collision, energy is not conserved but momentum (angular) is during the collision
3) Would energy be conserved for the "swinging up" after the collision?
 
Knight to b2 said:
Ah, so

1) and 2) Since it is an inelastic collision, energy is not conserved but momentum (angular) is during the collision
3) Would energy be conserved for the "swinging up" after the collision?
Yes. Good.
 
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