How Is Angular Momentum Calculated in Rotational Kinematics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of angular momentum in the context of rotational kinematics, specifically involving a uniform stick rotating about its center of mass. The original poster seeks clarification on the formulation of the angular momentum equation and its application to a specific problem involving a stick of known length and mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the components of the angular momentum formula, questioning the treatment of terms as vectors or scalars. There are inquiries about the correctness of the formula used and the implications of obtaining a negative value for angular momentum. Some participants share their own calculations and seek validation of their reasoning.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the angular momentum equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the vector nature of angular momentum and the right-hand rule, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's approach or the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under time constraints due to an impending exam, which may influence the urgency and nature of their inquiries. There is also a mention of a diagram that is referenced but not included in the discussion.

Rheegeaux
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[Note: Post moved to homework forum by mentor]

So I stumbled upon a reviewer for my physics exam tomorrow and I was wondering how the equation was formulated. Your help is very much appreciated :) ! Normally I would consult my professor for this but it's Sunday in my country today so I can't.

Question:
A uniform stick with length 3.00 [m] and mass
5.00 [kg] is moving and rotating about its center of mass (CM) as
shown in the figure. If the stick and point O both lie in the same
xy-plane, what is the total angular momentum of the stick at point
O at the instant shown?

answer:
L = (r )(p) +1/12mL^2(w) = -76.7kmm^2/s positive k hat

Picture: http://postimg.org/image/u5eeo77el/96cf1d1b/
p6.png
 
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The first term ## r \times p## comes from the definition of angular momentum of any particle (or center of mass), while the second term comes from the fact that this object has a finite extent (i.e. moment of inertia). However, technically, the formula is incorrect since the first term is a vector while the second term seems to be a scalar (this doesn't disrupt the answer since you're given the direction of the rotation, just note that the formula isn't technically correct)
 
Brian T said:
the second term seems to be a scalar
ω should be a vector. Are you saying it seems to be a scalar because it is not in bold? The value is shown in the diagram as a vector (##\hat k##).
 
Brian T said:
The first term ## r \times p## comes from the definition of angular momentum of any particle (or center of mass), while the second term comes from the fact that this object has a finite extent (i.e. moment of inertia). However, technically, the formula is incorrect since the first term is a vector while the second term seems to be a scalar (this doesn't disrupt the answer since you're given the direction of the rotation, just note that the formula isn't technically correct)
how did it yield a negative answer? What I got was letter D. my solution is: (5kg)(7.50m/s)(4m)sin(35) + 1/12(5kg)(3m)^2(2.50 rad) = 95.411
Thanks for the reply, I really need to learn this before tomorrow. Cheers :)
 
Rheegeaux said:
how did it yield a negative answer? What I got was letter D. my solution is: (5kg)(7.50m/s)(4m)sin(35) + 1/12(5kg)(3m)^2(2.50 rad) = 95.411
Thanks for the reply, I really need to learn this before tomorrow. Cheers :)
I got it already *ZOINKS* I just needed to use the right hand rule
 

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