Linear and Angular Momentum (conservation of)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the conservation of linear and angular momentum in a scenario where a bullet embeds itself in a rotating rod. The rod is initially at rest and rotates about a vertical axis after the bullet strikes it at an angle.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of momentum and angular momentum, with one participant attempting to equate linear momentum of the bullet with angular momentum of the rod. Others suggest using the correct formulation for angular momentum and question the initial approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the correct application of angular momentum principles. Some participants have offered guidance on the proper equations to use, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy between the participant's calculations and the answer provided in the textbook, which raises questions about the assumptions made in the problem setup.

patm95
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Hi all, I have been working on this problem all night and although it should be easy, I can not seem to get the correct answer as in the back of the book.


Homework Statement



A uniform, thin rod of length .5m and a mass of 4kg can rotate in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis through its center. The rod is at rest when a 3g bullet traveling in the rotation plane is fired into one end of the rod. As viewed from above, the bullet's path makes angle 60 deg with the rod. If the bullet lodges in the rod and the angular velocity of the rod is 10 rad/sec immediately after the collision, what is the bullet's speed just before impact?



Homework Equations



(1/12 M L^2)* Omega = this is momentum of rod after impact

m*v = this is momentum of bullit right before impact



The Attempt at a Solution



Using conservation of momentum, I would like to set the two equations equal to each other.

1/12*4kg*(.5^2)*(10) = .003kg*v*Cos 60 (using cos 60 because only the velocity in the y direction should contribute to the rods angular momentum)

The answer in the back of the book is 1300m/s

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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You need to use the angular momentum of the bullet. (You are trying to equate momentum with angular momentum, which don't even have the same units).
 
use conservation of angular momentum:

for the bullet the angular momentum right before it hits is :
[itex] \vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p} = rmv \sin (\theta )[/itex]

give it a shot from here
 
Got it! Thanks!
 

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