- #1
Rotational dynamics, semicircular arc
- Thread starter Saitama
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a problem in rotational dynamics, specifically involving a semicircular arc. Participants are exploring the calculation of angular acceleration and the implications of torque in this context.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants are questioning whether to take torque about a specific point and how to determine angular acceleration. There is a discussion about the necessity of integrals in the problem-solving process and considerations regarding the initial conditions and variations in mass and center of mass.
Discussion Status
Some participants have offered guidance on approaching the problem and have prompted others to think critically about the assumptions being made. There is acknowledgment of misinterpretation of the problem setup, which has led to further clarification and exploration of the actual scenario.
Contextual Notes
There is mention of a potential misinterpretation of the problem's diagram, which has affected participants' understanding of the semicircular arc involved. The clarity of the drawing is noted as a contributing factor to the confusion.
- #2
Simon Bridge
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How else would you find the angular acceleration?
- #3
Saitama
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Simon Bridge said:
I asked this because I am sure this would involve integrals and before doing the maths, I want to be sure if I am heading in the right direction.
- #4
Simon Bridge
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If you can only think of one way to do a problem, it is worth a try: give it a go.
Everything involves an integral if you don't already know the result.
But it can help to have a think about the problem before starting:
* If ##\beta=0##, what is the initial angular acceleration?
* How does the total mass vary with ##\beta##?
* How does the location of the center of mass vary with ##\beta##?
Everything involves an integral if you don't already know the result.
But it can help to have a think about the problem before starting:
* If ##\beta=0##, what is the initial angular acceleration?
* How does the total mass vary with ##\beta##?
* How does the location of the center of mass vary with ##\beta##?
- #5
Saitama
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Simon Bridge said:
I have solved the problem, I had trouble because I misinterpreted the problem. It looked to me like a semicircular arc but it isn't. Thanks!
- #6
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Yes, it's a poor drawing. The point where those angles meet doesn't look like it's supposed to be the centre of the arc.Pranav-Arora said:I have solved the problem, I had trouble because I misinterpreted the problem. It looked to me like a semicircular arc but it isn't. Thanks!
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