Rotational Motion: Rotational vs. translational kinetic energy

AI Thread Summary
In the inertia experiment, the final rotational kinetic energy significantly exceeded the translational kinetic energy in both trials, with values of 0.638 J for rotational energy compared to 5.73 * 10^(-4) J and 1.27 * 10^(-3) J for translational energy. This disparity is attributed to the larger moment arm in the first trial, which enhances rotational energy. Translational kinetic energy pertains to linear motion, calculated as 1/2*m*v^2, while most energy in this scenario is rotational due to the apparatus's design. The minimal translational energy observed may result from the center of mass wobbling. Overall, the findings highlight the dominance of rotational kinetic energy in this setup.
adenine135
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In an inertia experiment using equipment very similar to the link below, I determined the following:

Trial with two 100 g masses near the ends of the rotating apparatus (larger moment arm):
- Final translational kinetic energy: 5.73 * 10^(-4) J
- Final rotational kinetic energy: 0.638 J

Trial with two 100 g masses closer in on the rotating apparatus (smaller moment arm):
- Final translational kinetic energy: 1.27 * 10^(-3) J
- Final rotational kinetic energy: 0.638 J

The final rotational kinetic energy is much larger than the final translational kinetic energy. Why is that the case?

http://www.usdidactic.com/images/produktbilder/04061000/Datenblatt/04061000 2.pdf
 
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Is translational energy the movement of an object other than rotating? IE left/right, up/down, ETC?
 
Translational kinetic energy is the kinetic energy associated with rectilinear motion, equal to 1/2*m*v^2.
 
adenine135 said:
Translational kinetic energy is the kinetic energy associated with rectilinear motion, equal to 1/2*m*v^2.

Looks to me like the you have very little translational energy because its all rotational energy. The small amount of translational energy is possible from the center of mass wobbling about?

Got my info from here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=177052
 

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