How Do You Calculate the Kinetic Energy of a Rotating CD?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the kinetic energy of a rotating CD, specifically a 12g CD with a radius of 6cm and an angular speed of 38 rad/s. Participants are exploring the appropriate equations and concepts related to rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to calculate kinetic energy using linear velocity derived from angular speed, while others suggest focusing on rotational kinetic energy and the moment of inertia. Questions arise regarding unit consistency and the significance of digits in the final answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights on the importance of using rotational dynamics. There is acknowledgment of potential issues with significant figures and unit consistency, but no explicit consensus on the correct approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to work with consistent units, particularly converting grams to kilograms and centimeters to meters. There is also mention of homework constraints regarding significant digits in the final answer.

eagles12
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Homework Statement



A 12g CD with a radius of 6cm rotates with an angular speed of 38 rad/s. What is kinetic energy?

Homework Equations



k=1/2mv^2
v=rw

The Attempt at a Solution



v=(6)(38)=228
K=1/2(12)(228^2)
K=311904
but its saying this is the incorrect answer
 
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It says that the CD rotates, so you are much better off modeling under angular speeds rather than constantly changing translational speeds (e.g. particles x distance from center of rotating disk.) When deriving these equations a term shows up which is called the moment of inertia. Have you gone over this?
 
eagles12 said:

Homework Statement



A 12g CD with a radius of 6cm rotates with an angular speed of 38 rad/s. What is kinetic energy?

Homework Equations



k=1/2mv^2
v=rw

The Attempt at a Solution



v=(6)(38)=228
K=1/2(12)(228^2)
K=311904
but its saying this is the incorrect answer

You are dealing with rotational motion, so you want rotational kinetic energy. This will involve the mass moment of inertia of the CD and angular velocity. Be careful about units, they have to be consistent; Work with meters and kilograms.
 
using this i got k=.0156 but this seems too small
 
eagles12 said:
using this i got k=.0156 but this seems too small

Too small for what? And what are the units. Everything in physics has units.
 
the units are joules
 
eagles12 said:
the units are joules

Well then, the result looks reasonable :smile:
 
i had to use two significant digits but it said my answer was incorrect
 
eagles12 said:
i had to use two significant digits but it said my answer was incorrect

What was your answer? Did it require units as well?
 
  • #10
my answer was .02 the units were already given
 
  • #11
eagles12 said:
my answer was .02 the units were already given

The leading zero is not a significant digit.
 
  • #12
Rounded to the nearest hundredth, that should be correct. But as gneill stated, that is only one significant digit.

maureenw002 said:
you are much better off modeling under angular speeds rather than constantly changing translational speedshttp://www.infoocean.info/avatar1.jpg

Bot/Troll?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
got it thanks!
 
  • #14
Sefrez said:
Rounded to the nearest hundredth, that should be correct. But as gneill stated, that is only one significant digit.


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Spammer was banned. Please hit the "report" button to report a post if it looks fishy.
 

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