How can the tension in the cord be calculated using conservation of energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving conservation of energy, specifically related to a spool and a block. The spool has a mass of 50 kg and a radius of gyration, while the block has a mass of 20 kg and is released from rest. The objective is to determine the distance the block must fall for the spool to achieve a specific angular velocity, as well as the tension in the cord during the block's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of energy and attempt to set up energy equations. Questions arise regarding the definitions of variables, such as the weight of the block and the representation of potential energy in the equations. Some participants also question the assumptions made about the rope's stretch and the relationship between linear and angular velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and asking clarifying questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between energy components and the role of tension in the cord. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly concerning the energy equations and the assumptions about the rope.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the parameters used in the energy equations, particularly the radius of gyration and the interpretation of certain variables. Participants are also navigating the implications of the block's motion and the effects of tension in the cord.

joemama69
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Homework Statement



Use conserbvation of Energy

The spool has a mass of 50 kg and a raius of gratino k = .280 m. If the 20 kg block A is released from rest, determine the distance the block must fall inorder for the spool to have an angulr velocity w = 5 rad/s. Also what is the tension in the cord while the block is in motion.

The spool has a radius of .3m, but where the cord is wrapped around it is a radius of .2m

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



T1 + v1 = T2 + V2

T & V 1 are both 0 because it starts from rest soooooo...

I = mk2 = 50*.282 = 3.92

0 = 1/2*20*v2 + 1/2*3.92*52 + Wy + 1/2*.25*s2

0 = 59 + Wy + .14s2

s = [tex]\sqrt{(-Wy - 59)/.14}[/tex]

y = (.14s + 59)/W How do i find W
 
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ah W = mass*gravity

W = 50(9.81) = 490.5

so how do i get the y and the s
 
can anyone give me a hint
 
I'm not following everything you did, so here are some questions for you:

Which object is W the weight of?

What does "Wy" represent in the energy equation?

What does "1/2*.25*s2" represent in the energy equation?
 
0 = .5mv2 + .5Iw2 + Wy + .5ks2

I = mk2 = 50(.282) = 3.92

0 = .5(20)v2 + .5(3.92)w2 + 20(9.81)y + .5(.28)s2

oops, my W was wrong, should be 20(9.81)

Wy represents the Potential Energy of Gravity, i would have to solve for y to find the distance the block falls

.5*.25*s2 represents the elastic potential energy, i would have to solve for s to find the stretch of the rope

0 = 10v2 + 1.96w2 + 196.2y + .14s2

is this wrong, how do i finish from here
 
joemama69 said:
.5*.25*s2 represents the elastic potential energy, i would have to solve for s to find the stretch of the rope

Where did you get the 0.25 from in that equation? It wasn't given in the problem statement.
 
Hint: forget about rope stretch in this problem. Assume the rope does not stretch.

However, you will have to figure out how v and ω are related.
 
the .25 should be the .280 = k, sorry i should have been more carfull
 
I = 3.92, v = wr = 1, w = 5

0 = 1/2(20)(12) + 1/2(3.92)(52) + 20(9.81)y

y = 59/196.2 = .3007 m,

Now i need to get the stretch of the rope, hint please
 
  • #10
The problem asks for the tension in the cord, not the amount of stretch.
 
  • #11
joemama69 said:
the .25 should be the .280 = k, sorry i should have been more carfull

Units!

k=0.28 m. It is the radius of gyration of the spool, not the spring constant of the cord.

Spring constants have units of N/m, so this k=0.28m cannot be a spring constant.

joemama69 said:
y = 59/196.2 = .3007 m,
Looks good!
 
  • #12
On Wikipedia it says Tension (T) is ... T + mg = 0 where velocity is constant, and T + mg [tex]\neq[/tex] 0 where velocity is increasig

T + 20(9.81) = 0 when T = -196.2 is that correct
 
  • #13
Since the velocity is increasing, T + mg 0.

Again, think in terms of energy: the work done on the brick, and the change in energy of the brick.
 
  • #14
Work done on brick

Wy= 20(9.81)(.300713) = 59

The energ goes from potentil to kinetic,

is there an equation for this, i can't find one
 
  • #15
joemama69 said:
is there an equation for this, i can't find one

(Work done on brick) = (Change in total energy of brick)
= (Change in kinetic energy of brick) + (Change in potential energy of brick)​
 
  • #16
Redbelly98 said:
(Work done on brick) = (Change in total energy of brick)
= (Change in kinetic energy of brick) + (Change in potential energy of brick)​

FYI, you can treat "Work done on brick" as entirely due to the tension in the cord. So if you know the change in the brick's kinetic and potential energy, as well as the distance the it moved, you can solve for the cord tension.
 

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