Rotational energy conservation

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The discussion centers on the energy conservation of a pin-ended free-falling rod, focusing on the correct application of kinetic energy formulas. The kinetic energy is expressed as the sum of translational and rotational components, with specific attention to the center of mass and the moment of inertia. A key point is the use of the parallel axis theorem to adjust the moment of inertia when the center of rotation is at the end of the rod. There is confusion regarding the simultaneous use of angular and linear velocities, with a clarification that only one reference point should be used for calculating kinetic energy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consistency in the choice of reference points for accurate energy conservation analysis.
dusurme
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Hi,
I am a little confused about the energy conservation of a pin ended free falling rod.
When i try to derive energy conservation equation i am not sure including angular and linear velocity at the same time. I try to visualize the problem in the attached picture and put my derivation also.
Any explanation will be appretiated.
Thanks.
 

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This is the kinetic energy in general:

KE = \frac{1}{2}m v_{cm}^2 + \frac{1}{2}I_{cm}\omega^2


for this example the velocity of the center of mass
v_{cm} = \frac{L}{2}\omega

KE = \frac{1}{2}m \frac{L^2}{4}\omega^2 + \frac{1}{2}I_{cm}\omega^2

Notice if the center of rotation is at the end of the rod, the angular velocity \omega is the same as for the center of rotation being the center of mass.

The moment of inertia changes by the parallel axis theorem
I_0 = I_{cm} + m\left(\frac{L}{2}\right)^2 = I_{cm} + m\frac{L^2}{4}

So we find that the rotational kinetic energy about the end of the rod is equal to the total kinetic energy from before.
\frac{1}{2}I_0\omega^2 = \frac{1}{2}\left(I_{cm} + m\frac{L^2}{4}\right)\omega^2 = KE
 
MisterX thanks for the answer.
Could you also suggest me an alternative way of determining angular velocity?
 
dusurme said:
MisterX thanks for the answer.
Could you also suggest me an alternative way of determining angular velocity?
No, he's saying that your solution is incorrect: either you use the kinetic energy of rotation with respect to the centre of mass (and then the moment of inertia is not the one you wrote) *and* the centre of mass' kinetic energy, or the kinetic energy of rotation with respect to the pin, *only* (with the moment of inertia you wrote).
 
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