Understanding Moment of Inertia in a Rotational System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of moment of inertia in a rotational system involving two masses suspended from a rigid rod. The original poster presents a scenario with specific masses and a rod making an angle with the vertical, seeking clarification on the correct approach to calculating the moment of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the moment of inertia using a formula that combines the contributions from the rod and the suspended masses. Some participants question the validity of including the masses in the calculation, referencing previous examples and textbook problems for comparison.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of how to account for the masses in the moment of inertia calculation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of the masses, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a previous question that may have influenced the original poster's reasoning, as well as references to textbook examples that could provide additional context. The distinction between rigid attachment and other configurations is also under discussion.

Lord Dark
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Homework Statement


hello everyone ,, can someone tell me if I got the moment of inertia right or wrong of this question :
Two blocks of masses m1 = 5 kg and m2 = 15 kg are suspended from the ends of 1.5 m
rigid rod of weight 75 N that can rotate about point P, as shown in the figure. The rod is
held in a configuration such that it makes an angle of 37° with the vertical, and then
released. The two blocks can be considered as point particles and the moment of inertia
of the rod about its center of mass is I(com) = ML^2/12.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I=I(com)+M(L/3)^2+m1(2L/3)^2+m2(L/3)^2 = (7/36)ML^2+(m2L^2/9)+(4m1L^2/9),, my teacher told me that adding m2 and m1 is wrong ,, but what i don't get ,, in some questions we add them ,, so is he right or wrong ??
 

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And the figure shows what exactly?
 
Attach the figure.
 
sorry ,, forgot to add it
 
The masses are not rigidly attached to the stick, so don't include them when calculating the rotational inertia.
 
how come we don't include them ?? in the previous question (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=314630) we added them to the moment of inertia ,, in Fundamentals of physics book there is a question in Rotation chapter (11) Q:57P ,, in the answer .. it I*Alfa = (mL^2(1)+ mL^2(2))*alfa and it's almost the same as the question but without angle (it's horizontal) but I equaled : (mL^2(1)+ mL^2(2)) (the rod is mass less in this question)
By rigidly ,, you mean it fixed and can't be taken away ? ,, BTW some questions say (without the cord slipping on the pulley) does it mean it fixed ?
 
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