Finding torsion constant of the wire?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the torsion constant of a wire using a torsional pendulum setup. The parameters include a disk with a mass of 450 g and a radius of 3.5 cm, oscillating at a frequency of 2.5 Hz. The correct torsion constant is determined to be 0.068 N-m/rad, achieved by applying the inertia equation I = 0.5 * m * r^2 and the relationship T = 1/f. The initial attempt at solving the problem yielded an incorrect value due to the use of an inappropriate equation.

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  • Understanding of torque and its equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of torsional pendulums
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations
  • Basic principles of oscillatory motion and frequency
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  • Study the derivation and application of the moment of inertia formula I = 0.5 * m * r^2
  • Learn about the relationship between frequency and torsion constant in oscillatory systems
  • Explore advanced torque equations and their applications in rotational dynamics
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Homework Statement



A torsional pendulum consists of a disk of mass 450 g and radius 3.5 cm, hanging from a wire. If the disk is rotated through an angle of 45o and released from rest and oscillates with a frequency of 2.5 Hz, what is the torsion constant of the wire?
  • A :

    1.7 x 10-3 N-m/rad
  • B :

    0.068 N-m/rad
  • C :

    34 N-m/rad
  • D :

    5.4 N-m/rad
  • E :

    0.86 N-m/rad

Homework Equations


Torque = -k(torsion constant) * theta
Torque = r * F*sin theta

The Attempt at a Solution


So i had to google "torsion constant equation" because i couldn't find an equation in my book so I am hoping this is the right equation. Then i used the second torque equation to find torque. I did T = .035m * (.45kg * 9.8(gravity))*sin(45) = .10914.

Then i plugged the answer for T into the first equation T = -k *theta. So .10914 = -k * (pi/4), i converted 45 degrees to pi/4 radians. Then I divided .10914/(pi/4) = .13896.

So my overall answer was .13896. This is not one the options above so i know I did not do something correctly. I'm almost positive its from not having the right equations for the questions.

Advice would be great, thanks everyone!
 
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i solved it myself but i will leave it here for other people if they need help. ignoring all my work above, it is best to use equation
Image550.gif
. Then you use the appropriate inertia equation, which in this problem you'll use I = .5*m*r^2. And then for T, use T = 1/f. Plug those equations into the original equation, and then plug the numbers in for the correct variables, and you should get the right answer. (mine was .068 N-m/rad)
 

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