Rod rotates when hit by point mass/ Cons. of angular momentum

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the conservation of angular momentum to analyze the collision between a point mass and a thin uniform stick. A 7 kg point mass traveling at 6.11 m/s impacts a 4m long, 3 kg stick, which is pivoted 1m from one end. The calculations reveal that the moment of inertia of the system is 93 kg m², leading to an angular velocity of 1.38 rad/sec. The maximum height reached by the stick and point mass after the collision is determined to be approximately 67.92 degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of angular momentum
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations
  • Familiarity with rotational kinetic energy equations
  • Application of the parallel axis theorem
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the parallel axis theorem for calculating moment of inertia
  • Study the principles of inelastic collisions in rotational dynamics
  • Learn about the conservation of mechanical energy in rotational systems
  • Explore the relationship between angular displacement and height in rotational motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding rotational dynamics and collision analysis in mechanics.

Epictetus
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
A thin uniform stick of length 4m and mass 3 kg is hung vertically from a support 1m from its end. The stick is initially at rest. A point mass of 7 kg traveling at 6.11 m/s is moving and impacts the stick at the bottom-most point. Determine how high the stick and point mass will rotate before coming to rest momentarily.

I applied the conservation of angular momentum theorum

L = r (moment arm) mv
= (3)(7)(6.11) = 128.31

I = (summation) m r(moment arm)^2 = 3 (1)^2 + 3 (3)^2 = 30 kg m^2
(where 1 and 3 are the distances from the pivot point to the center of mass and pivot point to the point of impact, respectively)

I` = I(rod) + 7(3)^2 = 93 Kg m^2

L = I omega
128.31 = 93 omega
omega = 1.38 rad/sec

Kinetic energy is then transferred to potenial:

1/2 I` omega ` ^2 = mgh
1/2 (93) (1.38) ^2 = mgh
88.51 = g[7 (3cos theta) + 3 cos theta]
9.022 = 24 cos theta
theta = 67.92 deg.

Are the moment arms that I used for the (I = (summation) m r(moment arm)^2) formula correct? Assuming I did my calculations correct, how do I determine the height from the information that I got?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Epictetus said:
A thin uniform stick of length 4m and mass 3 kg is hung vertically from a support 1m from its end. The stick is initially at rest. A point mass of 7 kg traveling at 6.11 m/s is moving and impacts the stick at the bottom-most point. Determine how high the stick and point mass will rotate before coming to rest momentarily.
I assume that the point mass attaches itself to the stick? (An inelastic collision?)

I applied the conservation of angular momentum theorum

L = r (moment arm) mv
= (3)(7)(6.11) = 128.31
OK.

I = (summation) m r(moment arm)^2 = 3 (1)^2 + 3 (3)^2 = 30 kg m^2
(where 1 and 3 are the distances from the pivot point to the center of mass and pivot point to the point of impact, respectively)
I assume this is supposed to be the moment of inertia of the stick? If so, you'll have to redo it. What's the moment of inertia of a stick about one end? or about its center? (Look it up!) Then use the parallel axis theorem (Or just treat it as two short sticks added together) to find the moment of inertia about the pivot point.

...

Are the moment arms that I used for the (I = (summation) m r(moment arm)^2) formula correct?
No. See comments above.
Assuming I did my calculations correct, how do I determine the height from the information that I got?
Use conservation of angular momentum to find the angular speed after the collision. Then find the rotational KE of the system after the collision. Then apply conservation of mechanical energy. (Hint: Find the change in height of the center of mass, then convert that to an angle.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
335
Views
17K
Replies
3
Views
2K