Torque and energy conservation of a yoyo

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving torque and energy conservation related to a yo-yo dropped from a height. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically rotational dynamics and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the conservation of energy principle but expresses uncertainty about calculating angular velocity. Some participants discuss the relationship between linear and angular motion, suggesting that the velocity of descent is related to angular velocity through the radius of the yo-yo.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationships between linear velocity, angular velocity, and time. There is a suggestion to incorporate the relationship between linear and angular motion into the energy conservation equation, indicating a potential direction for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for angular velocity or time to progress in solving the problem, highlighting the interdependence of these variables in the context of the energy conservation equation.

scavok
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
In 1993, a giant yo-yo of mass 480 kg and measuring about 1.9 m in radius was dropped from a crane 57 m high. Assuming that the axle of the yo-yo had a radius of r=0.1 m, find the velocity of the descent v at the end of the fall.

I know that .5mv2+.5Iw2=mgh, but I don't have a clue how to find w (the angular velocity).

I really don't even know where to start. The only thing I can think of is the force due to gravity creating a torque, which would allow me to solve for the angular acceleration, but even then I would need the amount of time it takes to travel 57m in order to get the angular velocity.

If someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is easy to show that [tex]\frac{dz}{dt}=v=R\frac{d\theta}{dt}=R\omega[/tex].
(To show this, simply draw a diagram - If the yo-yo rotates through an angle [tex]d\theta[/tex] what is the consequent change in z?)
 
Last edited:
Wouldn't I need the angular velocity, velocity, or time to do anything with that?
 
scavok said:
Wouldn't I need the angular velocity, velocity, or time to do anything with that?

According to my last post, [tex]v = R\omega[/tex]. This relation doesn't involve time. Try putting this into your energy conservation equation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
37
Views
10K
Replies
335
Views
17K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K