Oscillation and Moment of inertia

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a pendulum problem involving a solid metal sphere and a thin metal rod. The original poster is tasked with finding the radius of the sphere based on given parameters, including mass, length, and oscillation period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply equations related to angular frequency and moment of inertia, but expresses uncertainty about their correctness and the resulting calculations.
  • Some participants question the accuracy of the equations used, particularly regarding the moment of inertia and the center of mass distance from the pivot point.
  • Others suggest that the original poster revisit the definitions and calculations related to the center of mass and the contributions of the rod's mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the equations and reasoning presented. There is an indication of productive direction as participants are actively questioning assumptions and clarifying definitions, though no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing information or misapplied concepts, particularly regarding the moment of inertia and the center of mass calculations. The original poster's professor has provided a specific answer, which contrasts with the poster's findings, suggesting a potential misunderstanding of the problem setup.

tempneff
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Homework Statement



A pendulum is constructed of a solid metal sphere of
mass M = 4.00 kg, attached to a thin metal rod of mass
m = 1.00 kg and length L = 40.0 cm. The pivot point for
the pendulum is at the upper end of the thin rod. The
pendulum oscillates through a small angle with a period
of T = 1.40 s. Find the radius of the sphere.

Homework Equations



[tex]\omega^2=\frac{I}{mgd}\hspace{15pt}\omega=\frac{2\∏}{T}\\I=\frac{1}{3}M_{rod}L^2+\frac{2}{5}M_{sphere}R^2(L+R)^2[/tex]Center of Mass[tex]=\frac{m_1d_1+m_2d_2...m_nd_n}{m_{total}}[/tex]
For d I used the distance from the center of mass to the pivot point[tex]\frac{L}{2}+R[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I have filled in all known values leaving only R, then solved for R using the quadratic formula.
My professor gave use 10.8 cm as an answer. I am getting ~30cm. This should be straight forward right? Chug and Plug?
 
Last edited:
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Check your equations. Neither the one for the moment of inertia nor that for d (distance of CM from the pivot) are correct.

ehild
 
Okay so this is my final equation, but I'm still not getting it right. What am I doing wrong.
[itex]\omega^2=\frac{\frac{1}{3}L^2+\frac{2}{5}M_{sph}R^2+M_{sph}(L+R)^2}{M_{total}g(\frac{\frac{1}{2}LM_{rod}+RM_{sph}}{M_{total}})}[/itex]
 
The CM is still wrong. How far is the centre of the sphere from the pivot?
The mass of the rod is missing in the numerator. ehild
 

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