How Do You Calculate Angular Acceleration After a Collision?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of angular acceleration of a metal bar after being struck by a steel ball. The initial and final velocities of the ball, duration of the collision, mass of the ball and rod, and length of the rod are provided. The relevant equation, I = 1/3 MR^2, is also mentioned. The attempt at a solution involves calculating the angular momentum of the ball before and after the collision and using it to find the angular velocity and acceleration. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the final result and more details, such as a diagram, are needed for further clarification.
  • #1
MARK STRETERS
9
0

Homework Statement


A metal bar of length r is attached to a pivot point at (0,0) in the XY plane. A steel ball is projected toward the free end of the rod and strikes it at the tip. Show how to calculate the angular acceleration of the bar after the collision and draw a vector diagram to scale to show your result makes sense. The initial velocity of the ball is 22m/s in magnitude and it is moving at 40 degrees relative to the horizontal. After the collision, which last for .001 sec, the ball is moving at 15 m/s in magnitude with a direction of 22 degrees relative to the horizontal. The mass of the ball and the rod is 43g and the rod is 65 cm long.

Homework Equations


The one relevant equation we were given was I = 1/3 MR^2

The Attempt at a Solution


1. Calculated angular momentum of ball = r*m*v_y before and after collision. Subtracted the two to get total L(angular momentum)
2. w = 3*L/(mr^2)
3. Divided angular velocity by duration of collision.

But I got something in the 30 thousands and I believe the answer should be in the 20 thousands so something is wrong with the way that I am solving this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
More details are needed. Could you post a diagram?
 

What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a physical quantity that measures the amount of rotational motion an object has. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How is angular momentum calculated?

Angular momentum is calculated by multiplying the moment of inertia of an object by its angular velocity. The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to change in rotational motion, and angular velocity is the rate at which the object is rotating.

What is the conservation of angular momentum?

The conservation of angular momentum is a physical law that states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant, as long as there are no external torques acting on the system. This means that angular momentum cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects within a system.

How is angular momentum related to rotational motion?

Angular momentum is directly related to rotational motion because it measures the amount of rotational motion an object has. An object with a larger angular momentum will have a greater tendency to continue rotating, just like an object with a larger linear momentum will have a greater tendency to continue moving in a straight line.

Why is angular momentum important?

Angular momentum is important in many areas of science and engineering, including astronomy, mechanics, and fluid dynamics. It helps us understand and predict the behavior of rotating objects and systems, and is essential in the design of many technologies such as satellites and gyroscopes.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
10
Replies
335
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
184
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
62
Views
9K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
879
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
961
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
896
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
817
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
Back
Top