How Does Reducing Balance Wheel Dimensions Affect Angular SHM Frequency?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of reducing the dimensions of a balance wheel on the frequency of angular simple harmonic motion (SHM). The problem is situated within the context of rotational dynamics and involves concepts such as moment of inertia and frequency calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the dimensions of the balance wheel and its moment of inertia, questioning the appropriateness of the equations used. There is discussion about how reducing the radius affects both the moment of inertia and the mass of the balance wheel.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering different perspectives on the moment of inertia and its implications for frequency. Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's problem is constrained by the requirement to maintain the same density and torsion constant while altering the dimensions. There is an ongoing examination of how these changes impact the physical properties involved.

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Homework Statement



Your boss at the Cut-Rate Cuckoo Clock Company asks you what would happen to the frequency of the angular SHM of the balance wheel if it had the same density and the same coil spring (thus the same torsion constant), but all the balance wheel dimensions were made one-third as great to save material. By what factor would the frequency change?


Homework Equations



frequency = 1/2(pi) * square root of (torsion constant/I)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried finding the factor by setting up a second equation where frequency = 1/2(pi) * square root of (torsion constant/ m(r/3)^2 since I=mr^2 and got square root 3 but it didn't work. Is it because I'm using the wrong moment of inertia equation or is it something else? Please help and many thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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I thought for a thin disk the I=1/2Mr^2, if you reduce the radius by a factor of three, the I shoud will be 1/9th the original, hence...
 
You also have to take into account the mass that change. Since the balance wheel dimensions were made 1/3 the original, you should have 1/27 the original mass.
 
thanks for the help denverdoc and enter260!
 

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