Contradiction between equations of angular momentum

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Karol
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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.
 

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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.
 

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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.
 

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Last edited:
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!).​