Kinetic energy of rotated cylinders

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the kinetic energy of a system consisting of two rotating solid cylinders and a rectangle, all with mass M. The conclusion is that the total kinetic energy is expressed as K = 2Mv², where the kinetic energy contributions from both the rotational motion of the cylinders and the linear motion of the entire system must be considered. The relevant equations include K = 1/2Mv² for linear kinetic energy and K = 1/2Iw² for rotational kinetic energy, with I = 1/2Mr² for solid cylinders.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with the moment of inertia for solid cylinders
  • Knowledge of linear and rotational motion concepts
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear and rotational kinetic energy in mechanical systems
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in rotating bodies
  • Explore the concept of moment of inertia for different shapes beyond solid cylinders
  • Investigate real-world applications of rotating systems in engineering
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of kinetic energy in rotating systems.

steffan
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Homework Statement



You have a figure that is combined with three figures. Two solid cylinders and one rectangle in the middle. Like this: O[]O

The two cylinders is rotating and are not sliding, so the whole figure moves to the right. The rectangle is connected with the two cylinders. Both cylinders and the rectangle has each mass M, so it will be three masses: M1=M2=M3. Also the two cylinders has the same radius: r1=r2

Proof that the kinetic energy equals to 2Mv2 (k=2Mv2)

Homework Equations



K=1/2Mv2=1/2M(r2w2)=1/2Iw2
I=1/2Mr2 (for solid cylinders)

The Attempt at a Solution



2*1/2Iw2=2*1/2*1/2Mr2*w2=
2*1/2*1/2Mv2(energy of 2 cylinders)+1/2Mv2(energy of rectangel)=1Mv2

I don't understand why it should be 2...
 
Last edited:
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hi steffan! :smile:
steffan said:
2*1/2*1/2Mv2(energy of 2 cylinders)+1/2Mv2(energy of rectangel)=1Mv2

you've only included the rotational KE of the cylinders, you must add the linear KE :wink:
 
Oh, so it has both linear and rotational ke? Thanks a lot, I didn't knew that :)
 

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