Spinning puck rotational motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the rotational motion of a puck attached to a string, which rotates in a circle on a frictionless table. As the radius of the circle decreases, the speed of the puck increases, and the tension in the string can be expressed as inversely proportional to the cube of the radius (1/r^3). The key equations used include the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity (v = rw) and the conservation of angular momentum, which remains constant as the string is pulled. This analysis leads to the derivation of expressions for both the puck's speed and the tension in the string.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and angular momentum
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations and energy conservation
  • Knowledge of the relationship between linear and angular velocity (v = rw)
  • Basic principles of tension in strings and forces in circular motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Derive the expression for the puck's speed as a function of the radius during the string's shortening
  • Explore the conservation of angular momentum in rotating systems
  • Investigate the relationship between tension and radius in circular motion
  • Study the effects of varying mass and radius on rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to angular momentum and tension in circular systems.

amohamed
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Homework Statement



A puck, mass m, on the end of a (thin, light) string rotates in a circle of radius r_0
at a speed v_0
on a
frictionless table. The radius of the circle is slowly reduced from its initial value by pulling the string
through a hole in the table.

A. Hence write down an expression for the speed of the mass when the radius is reduced to some radius
r
B. Write down an expression for the tension in the string and show it goes like 1/r^3

Homework Equations


v=rw

The Attempt at a Solution



i split the above problem into two systems. rotational and kinematic. the kinetic energy is
0.5mrw^2-0.5^mr_0w^2. For the rotational system i am unsure how this is linked to tension ?. Is my starting point correct ?.
 
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What is the angular momentum of the system before the string is shortened?

What is the tension?

After the string is shortened does the angular momentum change?

If not, then you can figure the velocity as a function of the strings length and with that figure out the tension.

Good luck!
 

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