Determine the moment of inertia of the wheel

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SUMMARY

The moment of inertia of a wheel and axle system can be determined using the work-energy theorem. Given a cord of 3.0 m pulled with a constant force of 40 N, and the wheel rotating at 2.0 revolutions per second, the moment of inertia is calculated to be 1.5 kg·m². The relationship between work done, torque, and angular displacement allows for the calculation without needing the radius of the wheel directly. The equations KE = 1/2 mv² + 1/2 Iω² and I = Mr² are essential in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and moment of inertia
  • Familiarity with the work-energy theorem
  • Knowledge of angular displacement and torque
  • Basic calculus for integration in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in rotational motion
  • Learn about calculating torque and its relationship with angular displacement
  • Explore integration techniques for deriving moment of inertia
  • Investigate the effects of friction on rotational systems
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Students in physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding rotational dynamics and calculating moment of inertia in practical applications.

skysunsand
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Homework Statement


A cord 3.0 m long is coiled around the axle of a wheel. The cord is pulled with a constant force of 40N. When the cord leaves the axle, the wheel is rotating at 2.0 rev/s. Determine the moment of inertia of the wheel and axle. Neglect friction. (Hint: The easiest solution is by the energy method)

Homework Equations



KE= 1/2 mv^2 + 1/2 I w^2
I= Mr^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm completely lost. I don't have a mass to work with, so I can't use these equations. But then I have no clue what equation I WOULD use. I know the answer is 1.5kg*m^2, but I have no clue where that comes from.
Ideally, I think I'd like the radius of the wheel, but I'm not told how many times that cord is wrapped around the wheel, so I can't use the circumference to find the radius...
 
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skysunsand said:

Homework Statement


A cord 3.0 m long is coiled around the axle of a wheel. The cord is pulled with a constant force of 40N. When the cord leaves the axle, the wheel is rotating at 2.0 rev/s. Determine the moment of inertia of the wheel and axle. Neglect friction. (Hint: The easiest solution is by the energy method)

Homework Equations



KE= 1/2 mv^2 + 1/2 I w^2
I= Mr^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm completely lost. I don't have a mass to work with, so I can't use these equations. But then I have no clue what equation I WOULD use. I know the answer is 1.5kg*m^2, but I have no clue where that comes from.
Ideally, I think I'd like the radius of the wheel, but I'm not told how many times that cord is wrapped around the wheel, so I can't use the circumference to find the radius...

The work-energy theorem says that the work done is equal to the change in kinetic energy. For rotation under constant torque, the work done is W = τΔθ, where Δθ is the total angular displacement.

The distance Δs, traveled by any point on the circumference of the wheel must be equal to rΔθ. However, it must also be equal to the length of rope that was unwound, and hence Δs = rΔθ = 3.0 m. So anyway, the work energy-theorem says that:[tex]\tau \Delta \theta = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2[/tex]I think you'll find that if you plug in τ = rF and Δθ = Δs/r, then you'll find that it is not necessary to know r. You should be able to solve for I in terms of the other known quantities.
 
use intergration!

I=mr^2
and m= m/A * 2 pai r * dr (m/A= mass/area)
Intergrate mr^2 which is m/A * 2 pai r * dr * r^2
you will get 1/2 mr^2
 

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