Conservation of Angular momentum problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a conservation of angular momentum problem involving a block sliding down a frictionless surface and colliding with a vertical rod. The goal is to determine the angle θ through which the rod pivots after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between linear and angular momentum, questioning the validity of equations used in the context of the collision.
  • Some participants attempt to derive expressions for angular velocity and angular acceleration, while others express confusion about the assumptions made regarding these quantities.
  • There are discussions about the conservation of angular momentum before and after the impact, and the role of forces acting on the system.
  • Questions arise regarding the dimensions and correctness of derived equations, as well as the interpretation of variables involved in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some have offered guidance on the conservation laws applicable to the problem, while others are still grappling with the implications of their calculations and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem due to the changing angular acceleration and the need to apply conservation principles correctly. There is also mention of limited knowledge regarding certain physics concepts among some participants.

  • #31
i_hate_math said:
w=sqrt(2gh)/d

use energy conservation, so delta(GPE)=1/2Iw^2?
Right. The final challenges are to calculate I correctly for the rod plus block, and express the ΔGPE as a function of the angle.
 
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  • #32
okay,
now w=sqrt(mgh)/d
mgl=0.5Iw^2, where l is change in height
and by subing in all the mess l=h
and then ø=arccos[(d-h)/d]=36.8
 
  • #33
i_hate_math said:
okay,
now w=sqrt(mgh)/d
mgl=0.5Iw^2, where l is change in height
and by subing in all the mess l=h
and then ø=arccos[(d-h)/d]=36.8
soz w=sqrt(2gh)/d i meant
 
  • #34
l is not equal to h
 
  • #35
kinemath said:
l is not equal to h
I mean after subing in all the values, i got l=h, or did i do the wrong calculations?
 
  • #36
is h the original height and l the final height?
 
  • #37
How did you get l=h?
 
  • #38
kinemath said:
How did you get l=h?
L=(0.5I*w^2)/mg
 
  • #39
Hmm... I don't think energy is conserved as it is an inelastic collision.
 
  • #40
kinemath said:
Hmm... I don't think energy is conserved as it is an inelastic collision.
After the collison, mechanical energy is conserved
 
  • #41
i_hate_math said:
now w=sqrt(2gh)/d
mgl=0.5Iw^2, where l is change in height
Right, though we will have to be careful not to confuse l (lower case L,)with I (uppercase I). To avoid confusion I'll write H for the change in height and Imom for moment of inertia. Also, the m in there should be for the mass of the rod plus block, not just the block, and H is the change in height of the mass centre of that combination. We will return to that later.

As I said, you next need to figure out the right value for Imom. This is for the rod and block as a combined system. Think carefully.
 
  • #42
haruspex said:
Right, though we will have to be careful not to confuse l (lower case L,)with I (uppercase I). To avoid confusion I'll write H for the change in height and Imom for moment of inertia. Also, the m in there should be for the mass of the rod plus block, not just the block, and H is the change in height of the mass centre of that combination. We will return to that later.

As I said, you next need to figure out the right value for Imom. This is for the rod and block as a combined system. Think carefully.
Since the block is treated as a particle, the Imom would be 1/3mw^2 right?
 
  • #43
i_hate_math said:
Since the block is treated as a particle, the Imom would be 1/3mw^2 right?
(1/3)(m+M)w^2 is what i meant.
 
  • #44
Let ω be the instantaneous angular velocity of the rod as well as the stuck block about the pivot just after impact.
Te expression for angular momentum of rod + block just after impact {(Md²/3) + (md²)}ω. Equating this with initial angular momentum of the block just before impact gives you ω
To find θ, find the change in potential energy of the rod and the stuck block, when the rod reaches the angle θ and momentarily come to rest. This then is ro be equated with initial rotational KE of the of the block using formula 0.5Iω², where I = {(M/3)+m}d². { Note I(rod) = M(d²/3) and that of stuck small block = md²}
 
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  • #45
i_hate_math said:
(1/3)(m+M)w^2 is what i meant.
First, you don't mean w2, I hope. A moment of inertia is a mass multiplied by the square of a distance.
Secondly, you need to consider each body separately and add up their moments. What did you find for the moment of the block about O in post #26?
 
  • #46
Let'sthink said:
Let ω be the instantaneous angular velocity of the rod as well as the stuck block about the pivot just after impact.
Te expression for angular momentum of rod + block just after impact {(Md²/3) + (md²)}ω. Equating this with initial angular momentum of the block just before impact gives you ω
To find θ, find the change in potential energy of the rod and the stuck block, when the rod reaches the angle θ and momentarily come to rest. This then is ro be equated with initial rotational KE of the of the block using formula 0.5Iω², where I = {(M/3)+m}d²
Please do not spoon-feed @i_hate_math. He/she needs to get the hang of figuring these things out.
 
  • #47
haruspex said:
First, you don't mean w2, I hope. A moment of inertia is a mass multiplied by the square of a distance.
Secondly, you need to consider each body separately and add up their moments. What did you find for the moment of the block about O in post #26?
Yeah i didnt. I think i know where i went wrong. Its MoI again, nasty little bugger, the MoI of a point is simply md^2, and i forgot to add this into my calculation.
 

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