How to Find Angular Momentum from Time-Dependent Torque?

Click For Summary
To find the angular momentum from a time-dependent torque expressed as τ = a + bsin(ct), the integral should be evaluated from 0 to a specific time t, not to infinity. The relationship between torque and angular momentum is given by τ = dL/dt, leading to the equation L(t) = L(0) + ∫τ dt from 0 to t. Since the object starts from rest, the initial angular momentum L(0) is zero, simplifying the expression to L(t) = ∫(a + bsin(ct)) dt from 0 to t. The correct approach involves integrating the torque over the desired time interval to obtain the angular momentum as a function of time.
Calam1tous
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A time-dependent torque given by a + bsin(ct) is applied to an object that's initially stationary but is free to rotate. Here a, b, and c are constants. Find an expression for the object's angular momentum as a function of time, assuming the torque is first applied at t = 0.

Homework Equations



∫a +bsin(ct) (from 0 to infinity )
τ = dL / dT

The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure where to start, since I really don't have much experience with these types of problems. I think that this is an infinite integral problem, at least, since it only defines one point in time. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is late and may be of no use. Suppose the problem was changed a little, instead of a torque let there be a force that acts on a mass as a function of time given by the same formula,

F = a + bsin(ct)

then F = ma = a + bsin(ct)

Could you integrate that?
 
Calam1tous said:

Homework Statement



A time-dependent torque given by a + bsin(ct) is applied to an object that's initially stationary but is free to rotate. Here a, b, and c are constants. Find an expression for the object's angular momentum as a function of time, assuming the torque is first applied at t = 0.

Homework Equations



∫a +bsin(ct) (from 0 to infinity )
τ = dL / dT

The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure where to start, since I really don't have much experience with these types of problems. I think that this is an infinite integral problem, at least, since it only defines one point in time. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

You set up the integral correctly but just integrate from 0 up until whatever time you're up to now, t.

∫a +bsin(ct) sum of the integral is sum of the parts right?

∫a +∫bsin(ct)

Can you integrate that?
 
I think it's not called indefinite integral but a improper integral. Improper integra is a integral that has lower limit of a specific number and a upper limit of a variable. For example, for the work done by a constant force at displacement s is W=∫F·ds=F·s (with limit from 0 to s)=F·s-F·0=Fs-0=Fs.

Apply the same principle to this equation. Since integral of torque ∫τ dt=∫r×F dt=r×Δp, which is the change in angular momentum ΔJ.

Angular momentum J is initial J(0) plus change ΔJ which is J=J(0)+ΔJ=J(0)+∫τ dt (from 0 to t). Since initially it's at rest, thus J=∫τ dt (from 0 to t).
 
aftershock got it, you don't want to integrate up to infinity unless you wanted the angular momentum at t=infinity. Your answer for angular momentum at some time t is...
<br /> L = \int_0^t a + b \sin (cq)\ dq<br />
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
869
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
1K