How Do You Calculate the Torque on a Spinning Disk?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the torque and angular momentum for a uniform solid disk given specific parameters. The moment of inertia is calculated using the formula I = ½MR², with the correct mass of 0.7 kg and radius converted to meters. Participants identify common mistakes, such as incorrect mass usage and unit conversions, particularly failing to convert centimeters to meters. The correct torque is derived from the formula τ = R * F, leading to a value of 1.2 N·m. Overall, the thread emphasizes careful attention to unit conversions and proper application of formulas in rotational dynamics.
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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