Find the final angular speed of the target

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a circular disk target that can rotate freely and is struck by a bullet, leading to a discussion on the final angular speed of the target after the collision. The context includes concepts from rotational dynamics and conservation laws.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum, specifically questioning the application of linear versus angular momentum in the context of the collision. There are attempts to set up equations relating to energy and momentum, with some participants suggesting the need to focus on angular momentum.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of conservation laws in the scenario. Some participants have provided hints regarding the conservation of angular momentum, while others are clarifying the distinction between linear and angular momentum. The discussion is active with various interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of inelastic collisions and the implications for energy conservation. There is a mention of the moment of inertia of the disk and the specific distances involved in the problem setup, which may influence the calculations.

pentazoid
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Homework Statement



A fairgorund target consists of a uniform circular disk of mass M and radius a that can turn freely about its diamerter which is fixed in a vertical position. Iniitally the target is at rest . A bullet of mass m is moving with speed u along a horizontal line at right angles to the target . The bullet embeds itself in the target at a point distance from the rotation axis . Find the final angular speed of the target.(the moment of inertica of the disk about its roation axis is Ma^2/4




Homework Equations



Equations for rotational energy

The Attempt at a Solution



T_trans., initial + T_rot., initial, + V_initial=T_rot, final . There is no translational energy now that the bullet is embedded into the block.

1/2*m*u^2++0+0=1/2(Ma^2/4
m*b^2/4)*omega^2? Is my equation correct? There is no potential energy.
 
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inelastic collision

pentazoid said:
A fairgorund target consists of a uniform circular disk of mass M and radius a that can turn freely about its diamerter which is fixed in a vertical position. Iniitally the target is at rest . A bullet of mass m is moving with speed u along a horizontal line at right angles to the target . The bullet embeds itself in the target at a point distance from the rotation axis . Find the final angular speed of the target.(the moment of inertica of the disk about its roation axis is Ma^2/4

Equations for rotational energy

Hi pentazoid! :smile:

Nooo … energy is not usually conserved in collisions …

and certainly not when one body embeds itself in the other!

Hint: momentum is always conserved in collisions …

and that includes angular momentum. :wink:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi pentazoid! :smile:

Nooo … energy is not usually conserved in collisions …

and certainly not when one body embeds itself in the other!

Hint: momentum is always conserved in collisions …

and that includes angular momentum. :wink:

yes I know energy isn't conserved because the collision is not elastic since the bullet becomes embedded into the block.

L_initial=L_final

m*v_bullet+0=(M+m)v_new?

and then I can plug my v_new into my energy equation?
 
pentazoid said:
m*v_bullet+0=(M+m)v_new?

No, that's linear momentum …

you need angular momentum. :wink:

(and what energy equation? :confused:)
 
tiny-tim said:
No, that's linear momentum …

you need angular momentum. :wink:

(and what energy equation? :confused:)


right , how silly of me.

m*v_bullet*a=(m+M)*v_final*(a+b)? Would I then plug v_final into my energy equation.

a being the horizontal distance and a+b being the horizontal distance plus the radius of the disk?
 

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