Torque/Intertia: Balancing a Tire

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the physics of balancing a tire using torque and inertia principles. The key equations involved include torque (Στ = r x F = I*α) and angular momentum (L = r x p = mr² * ω²). Participants emphasize the importance of determining the center of mass for both the tire and an additional mass to understand how it affects the axis of rotation. The conversation also touches on the relationship between linear velocity and angular motion, particularly in the context of centripetal force and frequency of rotation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and angular momentum equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of center of mass and its calculation
  • Knowledge of centripetal force and its relation to circular motion
  • Basic grasp of angular velocity and its conversion to linear velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the center of mass equation (Σmr/Σm)
  • Learn about the relationship between angular velocity (ω) and linear velocity (v = ωR)
  • Explore the concepts of centripetal acceleration and its formula (a = v²/R)
  • Investigate the frequency of rotation and its calculation in rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to torque and inertia in practical applications.

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Homework Statement



quiz5physics.jpg


Homework Equations



\Sigma\tau= r x F = I*\alpha

Angular Momentum
L= r x p = r x mv = r x mr\omega = mr2 * \omega2

editediteditediteditediteditediteditediteditediteditediteditedit
This formatting looks weird. It should be r^2 *(omega)^2

and I*(alpha for the next part)

editeditediteditediteditediteditediteditediteditedit

The Attempt at a Solution



Right now I'm working on part a

I was thinking the I\alpha of each wheel would give me the center of mass
Torque = I \alpha + I\alpha
but I don't have an acceleration value, and that won't give me where the center of mass. I think I need to find the center of mass first, and then figure out how adding the mass to one wheel will change the axis of rotation.
 
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Yes, figure out the center of mass first. Find the combined center of mass of the "perfect tire" of mass M and the extra mass m. (Where's the center of mass of the "perfect tire" by itself?)
 
Well for the center of mass of the tire, I don't really have a radius for it?

The mass m is 1 ft away from the center of the tire, but how far away is mass M from the center of the tire? Do I use 1 ft for it a well?

But then I would get (M+m)/(M+m) which is just 1...

(\Sigmamr)/(\Sigmam)

is the center of mass equation, with just a general m and r in there
 
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Well, I could say that the perfect tire's R for the center of mass equation is 0, and that would just give me 0 as the center of mass. Then the center of mass for the two objects would be:

(M*0+m*R)/(M+m)
and that would give me my new center of mass, which would be the distance between the center of mass and the axis of rotation

I'm not sure how to continue with part B though.
 
Wobble said:
Well, I could say that the perfect tire's R for the center of mass equation is 0, and that would just give me 0 as the center of mass. Then the center of mass for the two objects would be:

(M*0+m*R)/(M+m)
and that would give me my new center of mass, which would be the distance between the center of mass and the axis of rotation
Good.

I'm not sure how to continue with part B though.
The center of mass moves in a circle, so what's its acceleration?
 
Torque= R cross F= I times alpha

Alpha is then a/R. But I need a velocity in there somehow to solve part C. 50mph isn't an angular velocity, nor does a/R contain velocity in it.

How do I account for the change in the center of mass? Its going to involve my answer to A somehow, which I got to be a really small number. Is it just 1 + this number?

edit: I need a way to relate a/R to linear velocity
 
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Parts A, B, and C have nothing to do with torque.

To solve B, think of all the mass being located at the center of mass. Thus the mass is rotating in a circle of known radius (from part A). What force must be exerted to make it go in a circle? (Hint: Centripetal.)
 
Looking a wikipedia

1. (2piR)/V=T

2. (2piV)/a=T

3. a=(v^2)/R

and for it in radians per second
4. omega=2pi/T

So do I just want equation 3, substitute it into F=ma,

and get (M+m)(v^2/R)=answer for C?

It says "frequency of the vibration" though, which doesn't sound like a force answer

edit:
Well now I see omega=2pi/T=V/R <--- is that all I need? I feel like I need to take this and substitute it into something else

edit2:
http://www.phy.cmich.edu/people/andy/Physics110/Book/Chapters/Chapter6_files/image054.gif

I'm thinkin that I want this.

I'm not sure how to use R though. Is it just simply my answer for part A, or is it 1 +/- my answer in part A? (Which I got to be 3/803)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wobble said:
So do I just want equation 3, substitute it into F=ma,

and get (M+m)(v^2/R)=answer for C?
Yes, where v is the tangential speed of the center of mass and R is the distance from the axis to the center of mass.

It says "frequency of the vibration" though, which doesn't sound like a force answer
Part C asks for both force and frequency. What's the frequency of rotation of the tire?
 

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