How Is Angular Momentum Calculated in Different Pivot Scenarios?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating angular momentum in different pivot scenarios involving a measuring stick and an attached mass. The problem involves understanding the moment of inertia and its application in calculating angular momentum for a system with varying pivot points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the moment of inertia formulas for different pivot points and the use of the parallel axis theorem. Questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of the theorem and its application to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different interpretations of the moment of inertia and confirming the use of the parallel axis theorem. There is a focus on clarifying the calculations needed for the second scenario, with some guidance provided regarding the relationship between the center of mass and the pivot point.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct application of formulas and understanding the implications of pivot points on moment of inertia calculations. Participants express confusion about the distance used in the parallel axis theorem and the definitions of the axes involved.

Mia
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 2.0-m measuring stick of mass 0.175 kg is resting on a table. A mass of 0.500 kg is attached to the stick at a distance of 74.0 cm from the center. Both the stick and the table surface are frictionless. The stick rotates with an angular speed of 5.30 rad/s.

(a) If the stick is pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the table and passing through its center, what is the angular momentum of the system?

(b) If the stick is pivoted about an axis perpendicular to it and at the end that is furthest from the attached mass, and it rotates with the same angular speed as before, what is the angular momentum of the system?

Homework Equations


L=Iω
I=MR^2
I=(1/12)ML^2
I=(1/3)ML^2
[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay so for the first question I used the moment of inertia formula and treated the mass as a point mass.
(0.500*0.740^2)=0.27
Plus the moment of inertia for the stick(rod) since it passing through the center I used I=(1/12)ML^2
(1/12)(0.175*2^2)=0.058
Then I added and multiplied by the angular velocity
0.27+0.058=0.33*5.3=1.7 kg*m/s

Now this answer was right however when I did the second one I repeated the same process but used I= (1/3)ML^2 because it at the end of the rod.

So I did
(0.500*0.740^2)=0.27
Then
(1/3)(0.175*2^2)=0.23
Then I added and multiplied by the angular velocity
0.27+0.23=0.50*5.3=2.65 rounded to 2.7 kg*m/s

It is saying both 2.65 and 2.7 were wrong. Where did I go wrong?
[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mia said:
Now this answer was right however when I did the second one I repeated the same process but used I= (1/3)ML^2 because it at the end of the rod.
I think what you're missing here is the parallel axis theorem.
 
(Ron)^2=-1 said:
I think what you're missing here is the parallel axis theorem.

Is that I=Icm +Md^2?
 
Mia said:
Is that I=Icm +Md^2?
Yes it is. :smile:
 
(Ron)^2=-1 said:
Yes it is. :smile:
Okay so I would add that to the moment of inertia I had found for the stick then multiply by the angular velocity?
 
Mia said:
Okay so I would add that to the moment of inertia I had found for the stick then multiply by the angular velocity?
You need to find the total moment of inertia with respect to the new axis.
 
(Ron)^2=-1 said:
You need to find the total moment of inertia with respect to the new axis.
Okay I'm getting a little confused.
So I=Icm +Md^2?
Would I use Icm = 1/12ML^2 for the center of mass?
thenMd^2
would d=1m since that would be the distance from the end of the rod to the center?
 
Mia said:
Would I use Icm = 1/12ML^2 for the center of mass?
thenMd^2
would d=1m since that would be the distance from the end of the rod to the center?
Yes, you're right! D is the distance from the centre of mass axis (axis of symmetry).

Always remember: The moment of inertia Icm is always with respect to the centre of mass, from which there is a symmetric distribution of mass (at least for homogeneous rigid bodies). So whenever you need to calculate the moment of inertia with respect to another parallel axis you can use the parallel axis theorem.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
335
Views
17K
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
14K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
4K