Trying to find the angular speed of a rod.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a uniform rod mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis, with the goal of finding its angular speed as it passes through the lowest position after being released from rest. The discussion centers around concepts of rotational dynamics and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the parallel axis theorem and moment of inertia to determine the rod's moment of inertia. There are attempts to apply energy conservation principles, comparing potential energy at the start with kinetic energy at the lowest point. Questions arise regarding the correct height to use in calculations and the implications of different assumptions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring different methods to calculate the angular speed, with some providing guidance on using energy conservation. There is a recognition of the importance of correctly identifying the height from which the center of mass descends. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered, particularly regarding the height and moment of inertia calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the height to use in the energy equations, with participants debating between different values based on the rod's configuration. The discussion reflects the challenges of applying theoretical concepts to a practical scenario.

thyrgle
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Homework Statement


A uniform rod (length = 2.0m) is mounted to rotate freely about a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the rod and that passes through the rod at a point of 0.5m from one end of the rod. If the rod is released from rest in a horizontal position, what is the angular speed of the rod as it rotates through its lowest position?


Homework Equations


I believe (although I might be wrong on some of them):
[itex]\tau = I \alpha[/itex]
[itex]K = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^{2}[/itex]
[itex]L_{z} = I \omega[/itex]
For a rod the moment of inertia is:
[itex]\frac{1}{12} M L^{2}[/itex]
And the parallel axis thereom:
[itex]I = I_{cm} + M D^{2}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


So far I have used the parallel axis theorem and the moment of inertia for a rod to get the moment of inertia to be 0.5833 for this rods rotation.
I am not sure exactly what to do after that. I can figure it out if it is the moment right after release, but not sure how to do it when the rod is at the bottom.
 
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Energy?
 
I first started thinking I could take the potential energy the system has before release as (mgh) and then at the bottom i could take mgh = (1/2)I*w^2 and find omega... But I couldn't figure out how to use it right...
 
That's the right method. Just need to figure out h and I. Any ideas?
 
I believe I have found I for the entire rod. The issue is with the height I think. I want to say the height is 1.5 but what about the 0.5 end? I try using m = 1, g = 9.8 and h = 1.5.

1.5*9.8 = 14.7
14.7 = (1/2)(0.5833333)(w^2)
29.4 = 0.5833(w^2)
50.4 = w^2
w = 7.099

But the answer is supposedly 4.1...
I then tried subtracting the small 0.5 stub:
0.5*9.8*1 (mgh)
4.9 = (1/2)(0.5833)(w^2)
9.8 = (0.5833)w^2
16.8 = w^2
w = 4.099

Subtracting the two gives 3.00 which is not right either though.
 
[itex]I[/itex] was found using doing the following:

I = I_cm + m*d^2

I = (1/12)m*L^2 + m*d^2

d = 0.5 since there is a 0.5 shift from the center.

I = (1/12)*1*4 + 1*(0.5^2)

I = (0.5833333)
 
Actually never mind I should use h = 2 not 1.5 for the first part of my original attempt and then everything else should be the same.

1.5*9.8 = 14.7
14.7 = (1/2)(0.5833333)(w^2)
29.4 = 0.5833(w^2)
50.4 = w^2
w = 8.199

0.5*9.8*1 (mgh)
4.9 = (1/2)(0.5833)(w^2)
9.8 = (0.5833)w^2
16.8 = w^2
w = 4.099

8.199 - 4.099

Thanks!

Although I am still not sure why I should use 2...
 
No, 0.5m is right for h (it's the distance the CoM descends).
You should have
mgh = (1/2)m(L2/12+h22
4.9*2 = (1/3+1/4)ω2
ω ≈ 4.1
Are you saying the given answer is 8.2?
 
Oh, my bad. Haha the given answer was 4.1, for some reason I didn't even realize using h = 0.5 gives the answer approx. 4.1. My bad thanks again!
 

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