Find the angular acceleration of a hinged beam

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular acceleration of a hinged beam, specifically arriving at the value of 41.4 rad/s². Key equations include the sum of torques (ƩT=I(α)) and the moment of inertia for a rod with an axis through one end (I=1/3 ML²). Participants emphasize the importance of considering the mass of the box and the correct placement of the center of gravity. A systematic approach using symbolic representation before plugging in numerical values is recommended for clarity and accuracy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and torque
  • Familiarity with moment of inertia calculations, specifically for rods
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams and their application in mechanics
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
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  • Study the derivation of angular acceleration from torque equations
  • Learn about free body diagram techniques for complex systems
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular acceleration
  • Review examples of similar problems involving hinged beams and external weights
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Students in physics or engineering courses, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators looking for problem-solving strategies in rotational dynamics.

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Hi,
I have the following problem that I'm lost on.
problem_zpsc81959fc.jpg


The answer is 41.4 rad/s2 but I don't understand how to arrive at it.

Homework Equations


ƩT=I(alpha)
I=1/3 ML2 for a rod with axis through one end.

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved the above equations to get (alpha)=T/I, but no matter what I try from here I get small numbers under 5.
I'm confused on a couple points: is the center of gravity in the middle of the rod or the tip? Should I add the mass of the box (since the cable is cut, not the rope)? And I'm really confused as to how to write the sum of torques.
I tried following this example, with and without the box, but it I'm getting small numbers not even close to 41. Could someone please explain clearly to go about solving this? Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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Pls post your working.
 
I converted the masses to Newtons to get 833N for the beam and 4214N for the box. Then I used trig to get the length of the beam (3m) and the angles: 37degrees below the beam and 53 above. Then I tried this, based on an example from my class notes (assuming the center of the beam's gravity is in the middle):
untitled_zps9b5acb68.jpg
,
substituting 5047N for m and 3 for L, then solving for alpha. But that's clearly wrong.
Then I tried following this example exactly as shown, with units as shown, but I got 4.4(without the box) and 3.9 (with the box's weight added). Not even close to 41.
 
Last edited:
You're overlooking that the mass will accelerate too. Let the tension in the rope be T. Develop the free body equations for the beam and the mass separately. The relationship between the beam's angular acceleration and the mass's vertical acceleration will need a bit of care.
I recommend doing all working symbolically, only plugging in numbers as the final step. That goes for the angles too. It makes it much easier to follow the reasoning and to spot mistakes.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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