How Fast Does a Pivoting Meter Stick Swing?

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The discussion centers on calculating the speed of the center of mass of a 0.200 kg meter stick pivoting about one end. The torque acting on the stick is calculated to be 0.981 N*m, derived from the formula Torque = Force * sin(theta) * radius, where the force is the weight of the stick. Participants suggest using conservation of energy principles to determine the angular velocity, indicating that while torque can be used, energy conservation may provide a more straightforward solution.

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1. A .200 kg stick pivots about one end. The meter stick starts balanced above this pivot. What would be the speed of the center of mass of the meter stick at the bottom of the swing?



2. Torque=force sin (theta)*radius


3. The torque acting on the object is .981 N*m (9.81*.2*sin 90*.5) (sin 90 because it is 90 degrees above the horizontal axis.)
But how do you get angular velocity from torque? I also know that torque=moment of intertia*angular acceleration. But how do you get angular velocity from this?
Is this even a torque problem?
 
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You can indeed solve this problem by considering the torques acting on the ruler. However, it may be somewhat simpler to consider conservation of energy.
 

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