Rotational Momentum Problem

In summary, a student sitting on a rotating stool with two 4.0 kg objects at a distance of 1.0 m from the axis of rotation has an angular speed of 0.75 rad/s. The moment of inertia of the student and stool is 3.0 kg·m2. When the objects are pulled horizontally to a distance of 0.50 m from the rotation axis, the new angular speed of the student is unknown. It is necessary to calculate the new moment of inertia, which is typically a function of radius. However, since the only change is in the radius, it can be calculated using the formula for a single point mass at a distance 'r' from an axis of rotation.
  • #1
balling12
47
0

Homework Statement


A student sits on a rotating stool holding two 4.0 kg objects. When his arms are extended horizontally, the objects are 1.0 m from the axis of rotation, and he rotates with an angular speed of 0.75 rad/s. The moment of inertia of the student plus stool is 3.0 kg·m2 and is assumed to be constant. The student then pulls the objects horizontally to 0.50 m from the rotation axis.
(a) Find the new angular speed of the student. rad/s
(b) Find the kinetic energy of the student system before and after the objects are pulled in.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Tried working the problem but got stuck with not having the moment of inertia after the weights are pulled in. All of the examples my proffessor worked in class gave us both so i am unsure how to solve for it.
 
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  • #2
Moment of inertia is typically a function of radius, is it not? All that has changed is the radius of the circle being swept out by the two masses.
 
  • #3
B-12:

Can you calculate the Moment of Inertia for a single point mass a distance 'r' from an axis of rotation?
 
1.

What is rotational momentum?

Rotational momentum, also known as angular momentum, is a measure of the rotational motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity.

2.

How is rotational momentum different from linear momentum?

Rotational momentum is a measure of an object's rotational motion, while linear momentum is a measure of its linear motion. Rotational momentum takes into account an object's moment of inertia, while linear momentum does not.

3.

What is the law of conservation of rotational momentum?

The law of conservation of rotational momentum states that the total rotational momentum of a system remains constant, unless an external torque is applied. This means that in a closed system, the total rotational momentum before and after an event will be the same.

4.

How do you calculate rotational momentum?

Rotational momentum can be calculated by multiplying an object's moment of inertia by its angular velocity. The formula is L = Iω, where L is the rotational momentum, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity.

5.

What are some real-life examples of rotational momentum?

Some examples of rotational momentum in everyday life include the spinning of a top, the rotation of a bicycle wheel, and the rotation of the Earth on its axis. In sports, rotational momentum can be seen in the spinning of a figure skater or the rotation of a baseball thrown by a pitcher.

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