Solving for the Kinetic Energy of a Uniform Disk

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a solid uniform disk rolling without slipping along a horizontal surface, with specific parameters given for its radius and mass. The discussion centers on calculating the total kinetic energy of the disk and determining the minimum height of a step that would prevent the disk from rolling past it, using principles of energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of total kinetic energy by combining translational and rotational components. There is an initial attempt to compute the total kinetic energy, followed by corrections and clarifications regarding the conservation of energy principles as they relate to the height of the step.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided corrections to initial calculations and are engaging in discussions about the conservation of energy approach. There is an emphasis on ensuring that both translational and rotational kinetic energies are considered in the analysis. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored, particularly regarding the conditions at the step.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific values for the disk's radius and mass, as well as the stipulation that the disk stops at the top of the step. There is a noted uncertainty regarding the correct application of energy conservation principles in the context of both translational and rotational motion.

kenricktan
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Homework Statement


A solid, Uniform disk of radius 5.00 cm and mass 1.50 kg is rolling without slipping a long a horizontal surface. The disk makes 2.00 revolution per second

a. Find the total kinetic energy (translational + rotational) of the disk

b. Find the minimum height h of the step (placed in front of the rolling disk) that will prevent the disk from rolling past it. (Hint: assume that the height h is adjusted so that the disk rolls just up to the top of the step and stops. Conserve Energy)


Homework Equations


W= 2.00 Revolution x 2pi radian
V = wr
I = (1/2)mr^2
KE_rot = (1/2)Iw^2
KE = (1/2)mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution


a. I assumed that K_total = KE_rot + KE
K_total = 4.46 x 10^-3 Joules

b. I have no Idea how to solve this...help?
 
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Correction!
a. K_Total = 0.444 J
 
The height must be such that energy will be conserved between the initial translational and rotational velocity and the final trans/rot velocity. Ktotal(0) + U(0) = Ktotal(1) + U(1)

I'd begin by drawing a picture. What does the final total Kinetic energy have to be?
 
I tried using 1/2 m Vo^2 + mgh(o) = 1/2 m V1^2 + mgh(1)

and since it says that assuming that it "stops" at the top of the step so I set V1 = 0
and also h(o) = 0

cancels all of the m
so I get h1 = Vo^2 / 2g
Is that right?
 
kenricktan said:
I tried using 1/2 m Vo^2 + mgh(o) = 1/2 m V1^2 + mgh(1)

OK let's stop right here for a sec. 1/2 * Vo^2 is the translational kinetic energy, but you also need to include the rotational kinetic energy because the object is rotating as well as moving forward.
 

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