Solving Mass of 2nd Disk with Angular Momentum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on solving for the mass of a second disk that drops onto a spinning first disk, using principles of angular momentum. Participants explore the conservation of angular momentum, noting that the initial angular momentum of the first disk must equal the combined angular momentum of both disks after they start spinning together. There is confusion regarding the use of gravitational acceleration (g) and the correct equations to apply, with suggestions that it may not be necessary for this problem. Ultimately, the correct approach involves setting the initial angular momentum equal to the final angular momentum, using the moment of inertia for both disks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the formulas and understanding the relationships between the variables involved.
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Homework Statement



NOTE: Use g=9.809 m/s^2
A solid disk of radius R and mass 2.74 kg is spinning at angular velocity 61.1 rpm about a vertical axis. A solid disk of radius 2R drops concentrically on the first (sort of like dropping an old-fashioned 33 rpm record on a 45 rpm one), so that eventually the two cease to slip relative to each other and end up spinning at 24.7 rpm. What is the mass of the second disk?

Homework Equations



KE=1/2 mv^2 + 1/2 Iw^2 = 1/2 mv^2 (1+(I/(mr^2)))

The Attempt at a Solution



Is there another equation that is supposed to be used to solve this problem? Because I thought that this would be the only equation (where I have initial equal to final according to the conservation of energy), but, at the beginning, they hint that I need to use a value of g.
Then I started thinking about the conservation of angular momentum, which had the equation alpha=mgr / (I+mr^2), where I would have to use the value of g and I could set it up as intial equal to final. However, this setup did not work either.
Another possibility could be that I am just plugging in the wrong numbers. For the inital mass I am plugging in the first mass that is mentioned and the final mass is the two masses added together, but solving for the second mass. Initial velocity is 61.1 m/s and final velocity is 49.4 m/s (v=rw). (I=1/2 mr^2). inital radius is 1 and final radius is 2...can you please help me figure out where I went wrong?
 
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In this case angular momentum is conserved, not rotational kinetic energy. Find the angular momentum of the first disk and equate it to the combined angular momentum of the two disks combined.
 
okay...so where would I incorporate g if angular momentum = Iw^2 ?
 
You may not need "g". Does it bother you very much if you get the correct solution without using "g"?
angular momentum = Iw^2 ? -- It is wrong, dimensionally or otherwise!
 
Last edited:
oh sorry! I meant L=Iw
 
okay... so I set it up as Iw=Iw...number-wise it's 1/2 mr^2*w= 1/2 mr^2*w...or 1/2(2.74)(1)^2(61.1)=1/2(2.74+x)(2)^2(24.7)...but the answer that I am getting for 2.74+x is not larger than 2.74...so if I subtract it, I will get a negative number...what am I doing wrong?
 
map7s said:
okay... so I set it up as Iw=Iw...number-wise it's 1/2 mr^2*w= 1/2 mr^2*w...or 1/2(2.74)(1)^2(61.1)=1/2(2.74+x)(2)^2(24.7)...but the answer that I am getting for 2.74+x is not larger than 2.74...so if I subtract it, I will get a negative number...what am I doing wrong?

Use I1*w1 = (I1 + I2)*wf.
Note that for I1 radius is R; for I2 radius is 2R.
 
oh...okay...thank you so much!
 
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