Rot. + Trans. Motion: Conservation of E

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of energy in an inelastic collision involving a uniform thin rod and a piece of clay. When the clay strikes the rod at a distance x below the pivot, energy is not conserved due to the inelastic nature of the collision. The initial energy is calculated as E_initial = 1/2mv0^2, while the final energy combines both rotational and translational components, expressed as E_final = E_rot + E_trans = 1/2Iω^2. The moment of inertia for the system is determined using the parallel axis theorem, specifically I = 1/3(M+m)L^2 + mx^2, where L is the length of the rod.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inelastic collisions and energy conservation principles
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and moment of inertia calculations
  • Knowledge of the parallel axis theorem
  • Basic principles of angular momentum conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the parallel axis theorem in various physical systems
  • Learn about the conservation of angular momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Explore the derivation of moment of inertia for different shapes and configurations
  • Investigate energy loss calculations in inelastic collisions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying dynamics and energy conservation in inelastic collisions will benefit from this discussion.

sweetpete28
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Suppose of uniform thin rod (mass M, length b) is attached to a pivot at the top. A piece of clay of mass m strikes the rod at distance x below the pivot at v0 perpendicular to the rod and sticks to it.

I understand the E is not conserved b/c this is an inelastic collision (clay sticks to rod). But would the fraction of E loss be during the collision?

I think:

Fraction of E loss = E final / E initial where E initial = 1/2mv0^2 but what would E final be?

Can someone please help with respect to the rod's rotational and translational E? What would it's moment of inertia be? Should I apply parallel axis theorem?
 
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So the problem is to find the final velocity of the system, and by that the final energy?
[itex]Eini = 1/2mv_0^2\\<br /> Efinal = E_{rot} + E_{trans} = 1/2I\omega^2[/itex]
So no translation(pivot).
The uniform rod has a moment of interia about its center of mass: [itex]I_{cm}=(M+m)b^2/12\\ I = I_{cm}+(M+m)r^2 = (M+m)(r^2+b^2\dfrac{1}{12})[/itex]
Now use the conservation of angular momentum just before collision and after, cause the sum of external torque is zero.
 
I don't think so...

The axis of rotation is at the end of the rod (where the pivot is) so I = 1/3(M+m)L^2 + mx^2 (m is point particle at distance x from axis of rotation).
 

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