Rotational Motion of a thin rod

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the rotational motion of a system consisting of a thin rod with two masses attached at its ends. The problem involves calculating the kinetic energy and net forces acting on the masses while considering different axes of rotation, specifically the center of mass (CM) of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of kinetic energy and net forces, questioning how the position of the axle affects these values. There is discussion about the center of mass and its implications for the problem setup.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the definitions and calculations related to the center of mass, with some providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There are multiple interpretations regarding the distances of the masses from the center of mass and how these affect the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the coordinate system and the distances to the masses, as well as the application of the parallel axis theorem in the context of the problem. Participants are attempting to clarify these aspects without reaching a definitive conclusion.

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?
 
Last edited:
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
 
Last edited:
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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