Inertia of a pendulum with disc

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass (CoM) and moment of inertia for a pendulum consisting of a 5 kg uniform thin rod and an 8 kg circular disc. For part (i), the user struggles to calculate the moment of inertia of the disc when positioned halfway along the rod, while successfully determining the moment of inertia for the rod as 6.667 kgm². In part (ii), the user calculates the CoM as 1.62 m from the pivot and the total moment of inertia as 5.507 kgm², but questions the accuracy of their assumptions regarding the disc's position. The hint provided suggests using the parallel-axis theorem for further calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of moment of inertia calculations, including the parallel-axis theorem.
  • Familiarity with center of mass (CoM) concepts and calculations.
  • Knowledge of basic physics principles related to pendulums and rotational motion.
  • Ability to apply the formula for moment of inertia for different shapes (e.g., rod, disc).
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply the parallel-axis theorem for calculating moment of inertia.
  • Study the derivation of moment of inertia for a circular disc about its center and edge.
  • Research angular impulse and its relationship to angular velocity in rotational dynamics.
  • Explore examples of composite bodies to practice calculating CoM and moment of inertia.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and engineers interested in dynamics, particularly those studying pendulum systems and rotational motion analysis.

adam640
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A pendulum consists of a uniform thin rod of mass 5 kg and length 2 m to which is fixed a circular disc of mass 8 kg and radius 0.4 m. There is a pivot at one end.

(a) Find the CoM and Moment of Inertia when the disc is:
(i) half way along the rod;
(ii) at the opposite end of the rod to the pivot.


I cannot do part i. I found the moment of inertia of the rod to be
I = (1/3)ML^2
I = 1/3*5*2^2
I = 6.667 kgm^2

but I don't know how to calculate for the disc.

For part ii. I found the CoM using
M = ((5*1)+(8*2))/13
M = 1.62m from pivot

I found Inertia using:
I = (1/12)ML^2 +(1/2)MR^2+ML^2
I = 5.507 kgm^2




Have I got the correct answer for part ii? How would I calculate for part i? Also, how would I find angular velocity given angular impulse? Any help greatly appreciated.
 
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but I don't know how to calculate for the disc.
Hint: parallel-axis theorem.
Have I got the correct answer for part ii?
You seem to have assumed that the CoM of the disk is at the end of the rod ... is that actually the case or is the disc attached to the rod by it's rim?
You seem to have the mass of each object to be the same in the equation for I (same M in each term).
Where do you get the (1/12) part from?
 
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