Unequal Masses on a Pivot Rod: What Does it Mean?

[PSEYE]

I have a homework question that is referring to a pivot rod with unequal masses.


The spheres are small enough that they can be considered point particles.

what exactly does this mean?

I know how to solve the equation, but I'm assuming I can't use the I=2/5mr^2 to solve it.
If the masses are negligable, why are they unequal to begin with? LOL

 

[Doc Al]

It means that you can ignore the sizes of the spheres, not their masses. (They have no rotational inertia about their center of mass.)

 

[PSEYE]

nvm, I just used what they were asking me to use, I just assumed the program knew that m_1 was lighter than m_2 and I was assuming correctly.

 

[PSEYE]

Thanks Doc Al!