# Find linear acceleration.

1. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A uniform rod of mass M and lenght L is free to rotate about a pivot at the left end. It is released from rest in the horizontal position ( Thetha=90 degrees). What is the torque on the rod when it makes and angle (theta) with the vertical? What is the downward linear acceleration of the right end of the rod when it is first released (at Thetha=90degrees)?

2. Relevant equations

T=Ialpha, t=+-rFsintheta

3. The attempt at a solution

For the first part of the question i manged to solve by with -rFsin(theta) my radius was half of the lenght of the rod, my force was found inthe center of mass of the rod which was mg and multiply that by sin(theta) according to the formula i get -(Lmg sin(theta)/2). The second part is thepart where i'm having trouble with. I know that it has to do with t=I(alpha) since we are looking for linear acceleration. But i don't seem to know how to start up with because I no no units. Any help on this one??

File size:
8.8 KB
Views:
140
2. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

What's the relationship between linear and angular acceleration?

3. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

α = Δω / Δt for angular and a = v^2/r for tangential or centripetal. DO we need linear as of a=d*t ??

4. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

There is a direct relationship between linear acceleration and angular acceleration when the radius is known. If a vector r is rotating and has angular acceleration $\alpha$, then the tip of the vector has tangential (linear) acceleration $\alpha r$.

5. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

yeah but in the problem, the radius is not known. This is confusing. you only have an angle which is 90 degrees. You don't have a radius, without that how can I calculate αr to find the tangential (linear) acceleration??

6. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

i know that angular velocity is V^2/r but i don't have a velocity given neither. I don;t have the mass of the object so I cannot calculate the force on the object mgsin(theta).

7. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Don't you have a symbol for the length of the rod? You're interested in finding the initial acceleration of its end, right?

8. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

the answer to the problem is -14.7 m/s^2 ... how to reach to that problem without so many variables... this one is difficult.

9. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

No, V2/r is centripetal acceleration, which is not angular acceleration. In fact, an angular equation for centripetal acceleration is ω2r. Just thought you might like to know that

10. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

1/12?? so are you saying that is my total length?? and i shold multply α(1/12)?? to finf linear acceleration?

11. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

12. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

ROFLMAO!! I don't know... i can't really come up with a set up.

13. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

If this were a linear kinematics problem and you wanted to find acceleration, the first thing you'd think of is F=MA and go about looking for the force. For angular motion, torque is the equivalent of force.

Start from the basics. What's the expression for the torque about the pivot when the rod is horizontal?

14. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

-(Lmgsin(theta)/2???

15. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Come on, what's θ when the rod's horizontal?

16. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

-(Lmgsin(90)/2???

17. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Follow though! What's sin(90°)?

18. Mar 5, 2012

### ScienceGeek24

sin(90) is 1

19. Mar 5, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

...which makes the expression for the torque...

20. Mar 5, 2012

-1/2Lmg