Contradiction between equations of angular momentum

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the angular momentum of a disk subjected to two equal, opposite forces. The original poster presents equations for angular momentum calculated around two different points, A and B, leading to seemingly contradictory angular accelerations. The problem involves concepts from rotational dynamics, including moment of inertia and the application of angular momentum equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of the equations for angular momentum around different points and question the assumptions made regarding static versus accelerating systems. There is discussion about the applicability of certain equations when the center of rotation is not fixed.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the assumptions behind the equations presented. Some have offered clarifications regarding the conditions under which specific angular momentum equations apply, while others express confusion about the transition between different forms of these equations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of constraints related to the conditions of the system, such as the nature of the forces applied and the points of rotation being considered. The discussion also touches on the implications of using a center of mass versus a point on the body that may be accelerating.

Karol
Messages
1,380
Reaction score
22

Homework Statement


Two equal, parallel and opposite forces at at both sides of a horizontal disk that lies on a smooth table, according to the picture.
The mass is m and the moment of inertia is: kmR2
Angular momentum round the center point A:
[tex]2FR=kmR^2 \cdot \alpha[/tex].
Angular momentum round the point B on the outer edge:
[tex]2FR=mR^2(k+1) \cdot \alpha[/tex].
It is clear i will get 2 different angular acceleration [itex]\alpha[/itex], how come?

Homework Equations


M=I[itex]\alpha[/itex]
Shteiner's theorem of the parallel axis:
Ib=Ic+mb2

The Attempt at a Solution


It is clear that the second equation is wrong, since the first one is right, since it is round a static point.
Maybe i have to compensate, when calculating round point B, for it's acceleration?
How? maybe with D'alamber's sentence?
But then, can i solve only from the point of view of the accelerating system?
I want to solve from the static, inertial system.
 

Attachments

  • angular momentum.jpg
    angular momentum.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 527
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Karol! :smile:

LP = IPω only works if P is the centre of mass or the centre of rotation.

From the PF Library on angular momentum

about point P, where [itex]\mathbf{v}_P[/itex] is the velocity of the part of the body at position P:

[tex]\mathbf{L}_{P}\ =\ \tilde{I}_{P}\mathbf{\omega}\ +\ m(\mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}-\mathbf{r}_P)\times\mathbf{v}_P[/tex]​
 
And what if the center of rotation is itself under acceleration?
For example the new picture here.
Can i use L=I[itex]\alpha[/itex] around point B?
A rope is wound around a falling cylinder.
 

Attachments

  • Question 1.jpg
    Question 1.jpg
    5.9 KB · Views: 422
that equation is for a fixed point P,

and vP is the velocity of the (changing) point on the body that happens to be at P

(so no question of P accelerating :wink:)
Can i use L=Iα around point B?

(you mean L = Iω) yes :smile:

but a moment later, B will no longer be the centre of rotation, so you'll have problems finding dL/dt …

it'll be much easier to use the centre of mass! :wink:
 
I want to make clear when to use equation:
[tex]\mathbf{L}_P\ =\ I_{c.o.m.}\,\mathbf{\omega}\,+\, \mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}\times m\mathbf{v}_{c.o.m.}[/tex]
You have a disk rotating round point A, as in the picture.
Round points A, the center and point B:
[tex]L_A=mR^2(k+1) \cdot \omega[/tex]
[tex]L_{Center}=kmR^2 \cdot \omega[/tex]
[tex]L_B=kmR^2 \cdot \omega \,+\, mR\cdot\sqrt{2}R \cdot \omega[/tex]

About B i am confused, since i don't understand the transition between the equations:
[tex]\mathbf{L}_{P}\ =\ \tilde{I}_{P}\mathbf{\omega}\ +\ m(\mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}-\mathbf{r}_P)\times\mathbf{v}_P[/tex]
And:
[tex]=\ \tilde{I}_{c.o.m.}\mathbf{\omega}\ +\ m(\mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}-\mathbf{r}_P)\times\mathbf{v}_{c.o.m.}[/tex]
In the first we use the moment of inertia and velocity of the moving point P, and in the second-of the center of mass.
 

Attachments

  • Agmon 2D.jpg
    Agmon 2D.jpg
    5.6 KB · Views: 473
Last edited:
my computer won't open that .bmp, it says it's corrupt :redface:
 
I replaced
 
Hi Karol! :smile:

I'm sorry for the delay … I've been working this out! :redface:

Karol said:
About B i am confused, since i don't understand the transition between the equations:
[tex]\mathbf{L}_{P}\ =\ \tilde{I}_{P}\mathbf{\omega}\ +\ m(\mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}-\mathbf{r}_P)\times\mathbf{v}_P[/tex]
And:
[tex]=\ \tilde{I}_{c.o.m.}\mathbf{\omega}\ +\ m(\mathbf{r}_{c.o.m.}-\mathbf{r}_P)\times\mathbf{v}_{c.o.m.}[/tex]
In the first we use the moment of inertia and velocity of the moving point P, and in the second-of the center of mass.

You're right :smile:, that first equation is far too general

it only applies if P is the centre of rotation and if the axis of rotation stays parallel to a principal axis of the body.

(So this applies, for example, to a sphere or a cylinder rolling over a step, but not to a cone rolling on a plane, or a wheel rolling on a curved rail.)

Thanks for pointing this out. :smile:

I've now corrected the Library entry (and given you the credit!).​
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
5K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K