Rotational Inertia and Motion problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving rotational inertia and motion, specifically focusing on a merry-go-round with children sitting on it. The problem includes calculations related to initial rotation, kinetic energy, angular velocity, linear velocity, work done, deceleration, torque, and revolutions before stopping.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply various formulas related to rotational motion but expresses uncertainty about their application and results.
  • Some participants question the interpretation of initial rotation and the contributions of the children to the moment of inertia.
  • Others suggest considering conservation principles when the children move outward and raise questions about the correct values to use in calculations.
  • There is a discussion about the formulas for torque and the need for clarification on the terms used.

Discussion Status

Participants have made progress on several parts of the problem, with some confirming their calculations for initial rotation, kinetic energy, angular velocity, and linear velocity. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the calculations for torque, work done, and the overall approach to certain parts of the problem. Guidance has been offered, but multiple interpretations and approaches are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a focus on ensuring that the assumptions made in the problem setup are clearly understood and discussed.

PhysicsPenguin
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Hello everyone, I am trying to solve some homework but I am not entirely sure what formulas to use.

Problem) There are 3 kids that weigh 25kg each sitting in the center of a merry go round (Disk). The merry-go-round weighs 400 kg and has a diameter of 3 m. It is initially spinning at 50 rpm.

A) What is the initial rotation?

I tried using the formula 1/2 mr^2. .5(400kg)(1.5)^2 = 450kg*m/s

B) What is the initial kinetic energy of the merry go round with the kids on it?
I tried 1/2 IW^2
1/2 (450)(5.2359878)^2 which equals 6168.5 N

W would be the 50 rpm converted to radians/second which would be 5.23rad/s and I was = 450 from earlier.

C) If all the kids move to the edge of the merry go round, what will be the new angular velocity in rad/s?

I got a little lost on this, would the proper formula be L = iw. 50 = 450w and w be the answer?

D) What is the magnitude of the linear velocity of each child as they sit on the edge and it spins at the rate round in C?

V = rω
V = 1.5(Answer from C in radians/sec)

E) The kids now want to stop. they drag their feet so they each exert a force F that is tangent to the disk in a direction that causes the merry-go-round to stop. How much net work must be done by the 2 kids in order to bring the disk with them on the edge to a stop.?

Not sure how to do this one.

F) If the disk stops after 6 seconds, what is the deceleration of the disk?
Wouldn't this ω = ωo + (alpha)t
5.23(rad/s) = 0 + (alpha)(6)
5.23/6 = alpha?

G) What is the torque on the disk?
Not sure how to solve this one

H) Magnitude of the average Force F each kid needs to exert?
Not sure again how to solve this

I) How many revolutions will the disk need to turn before coming to a stop?
 
Last edited:
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A) I don't know what you mean by initial rotation
B) ##\frac{1}{2}I\omega ^2## is the correct formula, and the kids are at the center (i.e. the axis of rotation, so they don't contribute to the moment of inertia) so you're good there.
C)Hint, something in this situation is conserved, and something changes when the children move outwards.
D)Right equation, but wrong numbers. See C (HA!)
E) Your looking for work, so energy, sooo...?
F) No, you have to find a different omega. Again, See C.
G) ##T= R\ (cross)\ F##
H) Use what you get from F
J) Use the rotational analogue for your displacement kinematic equation

Hope this helps
 
It did help some, Thank you.

I got part A/B/C/D done I believe. I did A as finding I, (I = 1/2 mr^2).

For A I got 450 kg* m^2 /s
B: 6168.5 J
C:4.40925
D: 6.613875For G, I am not sure what you mean. The only three formulas I have that involve T are T = 1/f (frequency)
T = la and T = Delta L / Delta time.
 
Last edited:
T as in torque, not as in Period.

Torque is equal to radius cross the force.
 

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