Rotation and Tension in Strings

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving rotation and tension in strings, specifically analyzing the forces acting on a system of rods and their motion. The original poster presents an equation of motion and attempts to derive the moment of inertia for the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of free-body diagrams to analyze forces, questioning how precise force descriptions can aid in understanding the equation's right-hand side. There is also a focus on the implications of constant angular velocity and the role of tension in the system.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, with some participants offering guidance on the use of free-body diagrams and the implications of massless strings. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's equation, and various aspects of the problem are still under consideration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the strings are assumed to be massless, which affects the moment of inertia considerations. The problem involves two unknown tensions in the strings, which are suggested to be different.

roam
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Homework Statement



Here is another question I had:

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg84/scaled.php?server=84&filename=problem2v.jpg&res=landing

The Attempt at a Solution



I think the equation of motion for this system is:

[itex]T- \ mg \cos 45 = I \frac{d^2 \theta}{dt^2} = I \frac{d \omega}{dt}[/itex]

And the moment of inertia for each rod is I=1/3ML2 (since the rotation axis is through the end). So the moment of inertia for the whole system would be 2I? I'm not sure where to go from here. What do I have to do with the right hand side of this equation? :confused:

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Use free-body diagram.
Analyse all the forces and resultant forces, vertically and horizontally.
 
azizlwl said:
Use free-body diagram.
Analyse all the forces and resultant forces, vertically and horizontally.

If I worte down forces more precisely how does that help with the right hand side of the equation?
 
Your equation is wrong.
As you see it is a constant angular velocity ω
Your right hand side of equation is equal to zero, means T=mgSin45° ?

Think about vertical component. Does it move relative to ground.
 
Hello roam
Strings are supposed to be mass less so you don't have to worry about moment of inertia in this case.The problem requires you to make a free body diagram so as to firstly explain the vertical stability of the mass m and secondly to maintain it in a circular using the tension in each of the strings.As such your problem involves two unknowns one for the tension in upper string and second for that in lower string.They will not be the same .Try solving it now.
regards
Yukoel
 

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