Determine the translational and rotational motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the translational and rotational motion of a thin rod struck by a clay ball. The rod has a mass M and length L, while the clay ball has a mass m and strikes the rod at L/4 from its center of mass (CM). The user calculated the angular momentum using the equation m*v*L/4=(Irod+1/16*m*L^2)*w, but encountered a discrepancy with the textbook's answer. The correct moment of inertia for the clay ball must be calculated with respect to the new center of mass of the system, which is crucial for accurate results.

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Homework Statement



A thin rod of mass M and length L rests on a frictionless table and is struck L/4 from its CM by a clay ball of mass m moving at speed v. The ball sticks to the rod. Determine the translational and rotational motion.

Homework Equations


Irod=1/12*M*R^2
I=mR^2
L=Iw or L=r*m*v
L=constant

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured out the answer for the first part, but the second part has me stuck. I got:
m*v*L/4=(Irod+1/16*m*L^2)*w, where Irod=1/12*M*R^2

When i solve for w i get: [12m/(4M+3m)]*v/L
However the textbook says the answer is: [12m/(4M+7m)]*v/l

It looks like a made a mistake when calculating the moment of inertia for the clay blob, but i don't know where i made the mistake. I think it was in the beginning with Lbefore=Lafter, but i don't see it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The rod+ball will rotate around their new centre of mass, so you have to calculate the original angular momentum of the ball with respect to it, and also the moment of inertia of the whole system has to be calculated with respect to this new CM. ehild
 

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