Rotational Kinetic Energy Test Review Help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving rotational kinetic energy and a pulley system with two masses. The key questions include finding the speed of a 30 kg block before it hits a ledge, the angular speed of the pulley, and the tensions in the strings. Participants emphasize the importance of using energy conservation principles, specifically the equation relating potential energy and kinetic energy. Clarifications are made regarding the initial and final energy states, and the correct application of formulas for rotational inertia and angular velocity. Ultimately, the original poster successfully resolves the problem with guidance from others.
km41
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Homework Statement


There is a system consisting of two masses, m1=20 kg, m2=30kg on a pulley and m2 is 2 meters above the ground, while m1 is on the ground.
This is the question: the system released from rest a 30 kg block that is 2m above a ledge. The pulley is a disk with radius of 10 cm and a mass of 5 kg.
a) Find the speed of the 30 kg block before it hits the ledge.
b) Find the angular speed of the pulley at that time.
c) Find the tensions in the strings.

Homework Equations


I'm going to assume: Initial=Final
1. KE(rotational)+KE (linear)+ PE= KE(rotational)+KE (linear)+ PE
2. KE= (1/2)Inertia x (Omega Squared)
3. Inertia= Mass x (Radius Squared)
4. Velocity (linear)= radius x omega

I can't think of any other, but there probably is

The Attempt at a Solution



a. I think I have to use the first equation, The KER cancels out and the KE (linear) is out leaving only the PE. I can't really figure it out from there?
 
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welcome to pf!

hi km41! welcome to pf! :smile:
km41 said:
I'm going to assume: Initial=Final
1. KE(rotational)+KE (linear)+ PE= KE(rotational)+KE (linear)+ PE

a. I think I have to use the first equation, The KER cancels out and the KE (linear) is out leaving only the PE. I can't really figure it out from there?

(why are you assuming Initial=Final? :confused:)

yes, use the first equation

but the KER does not cancel out, it starts 0, and it increases until just before mass 2 hits the ledge

show us that equation with your figures in :smile:
 
What I meant to say was KER was 0. Sorry about that, I'm just flustered.
0 + 0 + m2gh= m1gh+ 1/2(m1 x (v squared) + m2 x (v squared) + I x (Omega squared))
??
 
hi km41! :smile:

(have an omega: ω and try using the X2 and X2 icons just above the Reply box :wink:)

yes, that's correct …

now find a formula expressing ω in terms of v, and solve :smile:
 
ω = v/r

So..
0 + 0 + m2gh= m1gh+ 1/2(m1 x ( v squared) + m2 x ( v squared) + I x (ω squared)

30 x 9.8 x 2 = 0 + 1/2 ( 20 x v squared + 30 x v squared + I (v/r)squared
 
km41 said:
ω = v/r

yes :smile:
0 + 0 + m2gh= m1gh+ 1/2(m1 x ( v) + m2 x ( v) + I x (ω)

30 x 9.8 x 2 = 0 + 1/2 ( 20 x v + 30 x v + I (v/r)

your gh terms are wrong, and you've written v instead of v2 :redface:

try again :smile:
 
How is the gh wrong?

Isn't it 30 x 9.8 x 2
(Mass 2 x gravity x height from the ledge)
 
yes but you need some m1gh also
 
In the Initial or Final or Both?
I'm not even sure how to do that??
 
  • #10
Ok nevermind I got it.

m2gh= m1gh + .5 (m1(vsq) + m2 (vsq) + .5m(vsq))
 
  • #11
Tiny- tim, Thank you so much for your help

I solved the rest of it and I got it. Thanks!
 
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