How Do You Calculate the Torque on a Spinning Disk?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the torque and angular momentum of a spinning disk, specifically a uniform solid disk with given mass and radius. Participants are addressing the application of forces and the moment of inertia in the context of rotational dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate angular momentum and torque using the moment of inertia formula and the relationship between torque, force, and radius. Some are questioning the correctness of their calculations and the values used, particularly the mass of the disk and unit conversions.

Discussion Status

There are various attempts to clarify the calculations for angular momentum and torque. Some participants have pointed out potential mistakes, such as unit conversions and the use of incorrect mass values. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, with no explicit consensus reached on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the importance of converting measurements from centimeters to meters and ensuring the correct mass is used in calculations. There is also a mention of common mistakes related to angular velocity calculations.

fball558
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spinning disk torque?

Homework Statement



A uniform solid disk with radius 10 cm has mass 0.7 kg (moment of inertia I = ½MR2). A constant force 12 N is applied as shown. At the instant shown, the angular velocity of the disk is 40 radians/s in the -z direction (where +x is to the right, +y is up, and +z is out of the page, toward you). The length of the string d is 15 cm.


At this instant, what are the magnitude and direction of the angular momentum about the center of the disk?


What are the magnitude and direction of the torque on the disk, about the center of mass of the disk?


The Attempt at a Solution



i know both of these have a -z direction. for finding the angular momentum i used
(MR^2/2)W (.7*.1^2/2) * (2(pi)/40) = 5.498e-4
then to find torque i used RF where F is tension force got this by (M*F) = (.7*12) = 8.4
then R*(8.4) = .1*8.4 = .84
these are the wrong answers.
what did i do wrong??
 
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Do NOT multiply by the mass (.5kg). So, in short, multiply your final answer by 2 to get the correct one.
 


mrudkin said:
Do NOT multiply by the mass (.5kg). So, in short, multiply your final answer by 2 to get the correct one.


where did you get the mass of .5kg?? the mass in the problem is .7kg
 


i did that get the same answer as before. says I am wrong

here is what i did

L(rot) = Iw
I = 1/2MR^2 so 1/2*.7*.1^2 = .0035
w = 2(pi)/T where T = 40 so w = .1570796
Iw = 5.497787e-4
do you see anything wrong with this??
 


alrite for part a) L(rot) = Iw
w=40rad/s (given in problem)
I=.5*.7*.1^2=.0035
L=.0035*40=.14
 


sriceb01 said:
alrite for part a) L(rot) = Iw
w=40rad/s (given in problem)
I=.5*.7*.1^2=.0035
L=.0035*40=.14

OH.. ok
what i was doing was taking the 40rad/s
and using w = 2(pi)/T
so 2(pi)/40
then solving for that.
 


part b)

torque=abs(R)*abs(F)*sin(90)
=R*F*1=.1*12=1.2

should work
 


fball558 said:
OH.. ok
what i was doing was taking the 40rad/s
and using w = 2(pi)/T
so 2(pi)/40
then solving for that.

Common mistake
 
  • #10


for part d.) isn't it Lf-Li where Li is part a.) and Lf is I * omega with the given time?
 
  • #11


for part d) you multiply torque calculated in part c) by the change in time
 

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