Uniform rod pivoting and block/mass energy problem

AI Thread Summary
A uniform rod of mass m and length l pivots from a vertical position, causing a block of mass M to move forward upon contact. The rod loses contact with the block at an angle of θ = 30° to the horizontal. The discussion involves energy conservation and the relationship w² = -(alpha)(tantheta) to derive the mass ratio M/m. The user initially calculated the ratio as 4/3 but questioned the sign of angular acceleration, considering it negative. Clarification confirmed that the angle to the horizontal decreases at an increasing rate, indicating both first and second derivatives are indeed negative.
Alcatrez
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A uniform rod of mass m and length l is pivoted at a point on the ground. The rod is initially in vertical position and touching a block of mass M which is at rest on a horizontal surface. The rod is given a push of negligible force and it starts rotating about that point. This causes the block to move forward. The rod loses contact with the block at θ = 30° with horizontal. All surfaces are smooth.
Find M/m

I have conserved the energy, found a relation of

w² = -(alpha)(tantheta)

by considering x=Lcostheta and double differentiating to get a.

I am getting a correct ans of 4/3 but i had considered alpha (ang acc) to be negative which isn't correct, right?

What's wrong with this?
 
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Alcatrez said:
had considered alpha (ang acc) to be negative which isn't correct, right?
Assuming you are referring to the angle to the horizontal, that angle will decrease at an increasing rate, so both its first and second derivatives will be negative.
Have I understood your question?
 
haruspex said:
Assuming you are referring to the angle to the horizontal, that angle will decrease at an increasing rate, so both its first and second derivatives will be negative.
Have I understood your question?
Yes. That's exactly what i meant.
 
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