How do you find linear density given mass per kg?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the final impact speed of a non-uniform candle, where the mass per unit length varies linearly from 1 kg/m at the bottom to 10 kg/m at the top, over a length of 2 meters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the total mass of the candle by integrating the mass per unit length, denoted as lambda (λ), and question how to derive λ from the given information. There are suggestions to create a graph to visualize the linear variation of density along the candle's length.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some providing guidance on visualizing the density distribution and others questioning the clarity of the original poster's setup. There is no explicit consensus on the calculations or interpretations yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the absence of additional information or figures that could clarify the problem further, and there is a mention of a total mass calculation that has been proposed but not verified.

andkand97
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Homework Statement


I need to find the final impact speed of the flame of a non-uniform candle. I am given that the mass per unit length increases linearly from top to bottom starting with 1kg/m at the bottom and 10kg/m at the top. I need to find how fast the candle flame is moving once the candle hits the table. I also know the length of the candle, 2m

Homework Equations


Xcm=1/M∫xdm
m=Lλ
dm=dxλ
I=∫x2dm

The Attempt at a Solution


If dm=dLλ then I have to find lamba ( which I'm unsure of how to do) then integrate from 0 to L to find the total mass. Then from there I can find the center of mass then rotational inertia and use energy to find the final velocity. Can someone tell me if I am thinking correctly and also help me find the total mass? Thanks in advance.
 
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andkand97 said:

Homework Statement


I need to find the final impact speed of the flame of a non-uniform candle. I am given that the mass per unit length increases linearly from top to bottom starting with 1kg/m at the bottom and 10kg/m at the top. I need to find how fast the candle flame is moving once the candle hits the table. I also know the length of the candle, 2m

Homework Equations


Xcm=1/M∫xdm
m=Lλ
dm=dxλ
I=∫x2dm

The Attempt at a Solution


If dm=dLλ then I have to find lamba ( which I'm unsure of how to do) then integrate from 0 to L to find the total mass. Then from there I can find the center of mass then rotational inertia and use energy to find the final velocity. Can someone tell me if I am thinking correctly and also help me find the total mass? Thanks in advance.
Well, a sketch of the value of density per unit length versus position would be helpful here.

Since you are given no other information besides the values of density at the top and bottom of the candle, along with the length of the candle, assume that there is a linear variation in the density of the candle per unit length.
 
andkand97 said:

Homework Statement


I need to find the final impact speed of the flame of a non-uniform candle. I am given that the mass per unit length increases linearly from top to bottom starting with 1kg/m at the bottom and 10kg/m at the top. I need to find how fast the candle flame is moving once the candle hits the table. I also know the length of the candle, 2m

Homework Equations


Xcm=1/M∫xdm
m=Lλ
dm=dxλ
I=∫x2dm

The Attempt at a Solution


If dm=dLλ then I have to find lamba ( which I'm unsure of how to do) then integrate from 0 to L to find the total mass. Then from there I can find the center of mass then rotational inertia and use energy to find the final velocity. Can someone tell me if I am thinking correctly and also help me find the total mass? Thanks in advance.
Sorry, but your question makes no sense (at least not to me). Is there a figure or something that goes with this problem?
 
berkeman said:
Sorry, but your question makes no sense (at least not to me). Is there a figure or something that goes with this problem?
Oh sorry. I am told that the candle will fall and hit the table.I'm given a drawing of a candle but nothing else. I know that the mass per unit length increases from 1kg/m at the bottom to 10kg/m at the top. I need to find the impact speed of the candle's flame once the candle hits the table.Maybe this helps you understand the question better. Sorry about that.
 
SteamKing said:
Well, a sketch of the value of density per unit length versus position would be helpful here.

Since you are given no other information besides the values of density at the top and bottom of the candle, along with the length of the candle, assume that there is a linear variation in the density of the candle per unit length.
Could you explain a little more, please?
 
andkand97 said:
Could you explain a little more, please?
Did you draw the picture yet?
 
Do you mean something like this? (But lighter at the bottom than the top)
 

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SteamKing said:
Did you draw the picture yet?
 
andkand97 said:
Do you mean something like this? (But lighter at the bottom than the top)
No, I mean draw a graph which plots the value of the density of the candle along its length.

You know the length of the candle (2 meters; rather large, actually), and you know the density in mass per unit length at the top and bottom of the candle (10 kg/m and 1 kg/m, respectively).

In other words, make a graph of this information.
 
  • #10
If you consider thin slices at the top and bottom I think you can work out the ratio of the cross sectional area/radius. I don't know for sure but I suspect things like the height of the centre of mass or moment of inertia will turn out to be proportional to the same ratio.
 
  • #11
andkand97 said:
If dm=dLλ then I have to find lamba ( which I'm unsure of how to do).
SteamKing wants you to draw a graph of ##\lambda## vs. ##x## so you can figure out an expression for ##\lambda(x)##.
 
  • #12
SteamKing said:
No, I mean draw a graph which plots the value of the density of the candle along its length.

You know the length of the candle (2 meters; rather large, actually), and you know the density in mass per unit length at the top and bottom of the candle (10 kg/m and 1 kg/m, respectively).

In other words, make a graph of this information.
Oh I understand now. I got a total mass of 22 kg. Is this correct?
 
  • #13
andkand97 said:
Oh I understand now. I got a total mass of 22 kg. Is this correct?
Why don't you show your calculations?
 

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