Rotating rod, inertia and torque

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the rotational inertia and required torque for a system consisting of a ball mounted on a rod. The rotational inertia was correctly calculated as 0.95625 kg·m² using the formula I = mr², where m is the mass of the ball (1.70 kg) and r is the length of the rod (0.750 m). However, the torque calculation was initially incorrect due to a misunderstanding of angular acceleration; the correct approach requires recognizing that the system rotates at a constant speed, implying zero angular acceleration. The necessary torque to counteract air drag was miscalculated, leading to confusion in the final torque value.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics, specifically inertia and torque.
  • Familiarity with the equations I = mr² and T = Iα.
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly from revolutions per minute to radians per second.
  • Basic principles of forces acting on rotating systems, including air drag effects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of angular velocity and its relationship to rotational motion.
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance on rotating bodies and how to calculate net torque.
  • Study the principles of constant angular velocity and its implications for angular acceleration.
  • Explore advanced topics in rotational dynamics, such as the moment of inertia for complex shapes.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of torque and inertia calculations in practical scenarios.

jl9999
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A small ball with mass 1.70 kg is mounted on one end of a rod 0.750 m long and of negligible mass. The system rotates in a horizontal circle about the other end of the rod at 5030 rev/min.

(a) Calculate the rotational inertia of the system about the axis of rotation.
(b) There is an air drag of 2.20 10-2 N on the ball, directed opposite its motion. What torque must be applied to the system to keep it rotating at constant speed?



Homework Equations


I=mr^2
T=FR
T=Ialpha



The Attempt at a Solution



So I got (a) which is simply I=mr^2, or I=(1.70)(.750)^2, I=.95625 kgm^2

I thought I had (b) but I was wrong. First I broke down the 5,030 rev/min to an angular acceleration which came out to 526 rad/s^2. Then I plugged that, along with the I into T=Ialpha which came out to, T=(.9562)(526), T=502.9Nm. I then added in the calculated torque from the air drag which was T=(.022)(.75), =.0165Nm to come out with a torque of 503Nm, which was wrong. I have absolutely no idea what detail(s) I'm missing because I was sure I had this one. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi jl9999! :smile:

(have an alpha: α and an omega: ω and a tau: τ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
jl9999 said:
I thought I had (b) but I was wrong. First I broke down the 5,030 rev/min to an angular acceleration which came out to 526 rad/s^2. Then I plugged that, along with the I into T=Ialpha …

i'm sorry, but both those are completely wrong :redface:

rev/min is a speed, not an acceleration, it converts to rad/s

and α is zero, so how will τ = Iα help?

try again :smile:
 
...actually (a) was right, according to the webassign(auto-grading homework website) Thanks for pointing out what I missed though. I often misread stuff. hopefully I can get it now.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K