Rotational problem another time (this time not the center of mass)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the linear speed of the top of a chimney as it topples, using principles of conservation of energy and rotational motion. The chimney is modeled as a thin rod, and the key equations involve the relationship between potential energy, angular velocity, and linear speed. The initial attempt to solve the problem using conservation of energy was incorrect, but the correct approach involves recognizing that the angular speed remains constant throughout the fall. Ultimately, the linear speed at the top of the chimney is derived as v = √(3g/L) * L, where L is the length of the chimney. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between angular and linear speeds in rotational motion scenarios.
NasuSama
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Homework Statement



A chimney (length L = 82.6 m, mass M = 2280 kg) cracks at the base, and topples. Assume:
- the chimney behaves like a thin rod, and it does not break apart as it falls
- only gravity (no friction) acts on the chimney as if falls
- the bottom of the chimney tilts but does not move left or right

Find vtop, the linear speed of a point on the top of the chimney just as it hits the ground.

Homework Equations



→Conservation of energy
→KE = ½Iω²?
→v = ωr?

The Attempt at a Solution



What if I tried this method?

mgL = ½ * 1/3 * mL² * ω²
ω = √(6g/L)

Then...

v = √(6g/L) * L

But the whole answer is wrong.
 
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NasuSama said:
What if I tried this method?

mgL = ½ * 1/3 * mL² * ω²
What's the change in PE for the chimney as it falls? (Nothing has changed from your earlier problem except the point you are finding the speed of.)

And since this problem is an offshoot of your other one, why start a separate thread? You've already done the hard work in your other thread. You've found ω.
 
Doc Al said:
What's the change in PE for the chimney as it falls? (Nothing has changed from your earlier problem except the point you are finding the speed of.)

And since this problem is an offshoot of your other one, why start a separate thread? You've already done the hard work in your other thread. You've found ω.

Why is it that there is the same speed of the chimney on the top as the center of mass?
 
I mean why is it that there is the same angular speed?
 
Sorry for another post.

Then, using the same ω instead of different ω, we have...

v = ωr
= √(3g/L) * L

Instead of L/2, we have L since we want to find the speed of the top of the chimney.

Sorry for another thread. I thought this problem would be totally different from the previous one.
 
NasuSama said:
I mean why is it that there is the same angular speed?
Did anything change? It's the same chimney falling in the same manner. Why would the angular speed be different?
 
Doc Al said:
Did anything change? It's the same chimney falling in the same manner. Why would the angular speed be different?

Nvm. I was stumped and unclear of the situation here. Now, I should get it.

It's just v = √(3g/L) * L [with same ω]
 
NasuSama said:
Then, using the same ω instead of different ω, we have...

v = ωr
= √(3g/L) * L

Instead of L/2, we have L since we want to find the speed of the top of the chimney.
Good.
 
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