Rotational Motion of a thin rod

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the kinetic energy and net forces on two masses attached to a rotating rod. The kinetic energy of the system is determined to be 6.10 J, with net forces on the 4 kg and 3 kg masses calculated as 31.7 N and 23.8 N, respectively. Participants discuss the impact of the center of mass (CM) on these calculations, emphasizing the need to apply the parallel axis theorem when the axle is at the CM. Confusion arises regarding the correct placement of the coordinate system and the distances of the masses from the CM. Ultimately, the center of mass is identified as approximately -0.03143 m, indicating its position relative to the system.
Bones
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Homework Statement


A 4.00 kg mass and a 3.00 kg mass are attached to opposite ends of a thin 44 cm long horizontal rod (see figure). The system is rotating at angular speed ω = 6 rad/s about a vertical axle at the center of the rod.

(a) Determine the kinetic energy K of the system.


(b) Determine the net force on each mass.


(c) Repeat parts (a) and (b) assuming that the axle passes through the CM of the system.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


KE=1/2(0.3388m*N)(6rad/s)^2=6.10 J
F1=(4kg)(6rad/s)^2(0.22m)=31.7 N
F2=(3kg)(6rad/s)^2(0.22m)=23.8 N
CM=(4kg)(0.22m)+(3kg)(0.22m)/4kg+3kg=0.22m

How does the CM change the problem? I am having trouble figuring out the second set of answers.
 
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The moment of inertia of a system is given by the sum of the moments of intertia of each of the system's components, the spheres and the rod. Remember the parallel axis theorem when solving for the moments of inertia when the axis is moved to the center of mass.
 
Bones said:
KE=1/2(0.3388m*N)(6rad/s)^2=6.10 J
F1=(4kg)(6rad/s)^2(0.22m)=31.7 N
F2=(3kg)(6rad/s)^2(0.22m)=23.8 N
CM=(4kg)(0.22m)+(3kg)(0.22m)/4kg+3kg=0.22m

How does the CM change the problem? I am having trouble figuring out the second set of answers.

What are you doing with the Center of mass equation? What lengths to the 2 masses do you get?
And aren't they supposed to add to .44 m?
 
Center of mass = \frac{\sum{(distance)(mass)}}{\sum{mass}}

make sure to define your co-ordinate system

remember the CM is not changing, the rod is only at \frac{d}{2} of the masses not at the center of mass

I just read your CM equation, you are using \frac{d}{2} as your starting point, so wouldn't right be positive and left be negative?
 
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LowlyPion said:
What are you doing with the Center of mass equation? What lengths to the 2 masses do you get?
And aren't they supposed to add to .44 m?

I am confused.
 
Bones said:
I am confused.

What is the distance of each mass from the center of mass?

Can't you figure where the center of mass is and what those distances to each mass are?
 
Bones said:
I am confused.

Hey set your co-ordinates correctly, if your center point is 0, then to the right 0.22 m is positive to the left 0.22 is negative...---->THINK X AXIS <----- So you have \frac{(4)(-0.22)+(3)(+0.22)}{3+2}

Your displacements are vectors, they have direction!
Its pretty straight forward

Untitled.jpg
 
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So the center of mass is -.03143m

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Bones said:
So the center of mass is -.03143m

Yes, or 0.0314 meters to the left.
 
  • #10
More accurately CM is defined as \sum{\frac{m_{1}\vec{r_{1}}+m_{2}\vec{r_{2}}+...+m_{n}\vec{r_{n}}}{m_{1}+m_{2}+...+m_{n}}}
 
  • #11
It changes now because the axle is at the CM instead of \frac{d}{2}
 
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