V=wr. Is v tangential or center of mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between angular velocity and translational speed in rotating objects, specifically a thin disk and a rolling sphere. The user correctly applies the kinetic energy formula E = 1/2Iω² for the disk and uses the equation v = ωr to find the tangential speed at the rim. In the case of the rolling sphere, the user is confused about substituting v with ωr in the energy equation Ef = KErolling + KEtransitional. The clarification provided indicates that this substitution is valid when the object rolls without slipping, linking the translational speed of the center of mass to the speed at the edge of the sphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of angular velocity (ω) and radius (r)
  • Knowledge of the relationship between translational and rotational motion
  • Basic principles of rolling motion and the condition of rolling without slipping
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of rolling without slipping and its implications in physics
  • Learn about the moment of inertia (I) for different shapes and its role in rotational motion
  • Explore the derivation of kinetic energy equations for rolling objects
  • Investigate the relationship between angular displacement and linear distance traveled in rolling motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to rotational motion and energy conservation in rolling objects.

cjavier
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So...I have two different homework problems. I'm not asking for answers to these problems! Just clarification. In problem one I am asked: A thin disk with diameter d rotates about an axis through its center with 0.260J of kinetic energy.What is the speed of a point on the rim? I use E = 1/2Iω2 for kinetic rolling energy.
THEN I am told by chegg.com, which provided the correct answer, to use v=ωr to find the tangential speed, or the speed of a point at the edge of the disk. Keep in mind, this disk is not moving transitionally, only spinning.

In problem two: I am given a problem that needs me to find the energy of a rolling sphere when it reaches the bottom of the hill. When I use Ef = KErolling + KEtransitional I receive this equation:

Ef = 1/2Iω2 + 1/2mvCM2.

THIS IS THE CONFUSING PART, CHEGG TELLS ME TO REPLACE vcenter/mass with ωr.

Why am I able to do this? From my first homework problem, I established that v is equal to the speed at the tip of the rotating object. By replacing v with ωr for my kinetic energy, I am now saying that the transitional energy is dependent on the speed at the tip of the sphere!


Dazed and Confused
 
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cjavier said:
So...I have two different homework problems. I'm not asking for answers to these problems! Just clarification. In problem one I am asked: A thin disk with diameter d rotates about an axis through its center with 0.260J of kinetic energy.What is the speed of a point on the rim? I use E = 1/2Iω2 for kinetic rolling energy.
THEN I am told by chegg.com, which provided the correct answer, to use v=ωr to find the tangential speed, or the speed of a point at the edge of the disk. Keep in mind, this disk is not moving transitionally, only spinning.

In problem two: I am given a problem that needs me to find the energy of a rolling sphere when it reaches the bottom of the hill. When I use Ef = KErolling + KEtransitional I receive this equation:

Ef = 1/2Iω2 + 1/2mvCM2.

THIS IS THE CONFUSING PART, CHEGG TELLS ME TO REPLACE vcenter/mass with ωr.

Why am I able to do this? From my first homework problem, I established that v is equal to the speed at the tip of the rotating object. By replacing v with ωr for my kinetic energy, I am now saying that the transitional energy is dependent on the speed at the tip of the sphere!Dazed and Confused

Don't double or multiple post. I've moved my reply to your thread in General Physics here. Hopefully a Mentor will delete that thread.

You're wondering why v = rω represents both the speed at the tip of the rotating object and the translational (that's the right term, note the spelling) speed of the centre of mass.

This is only true for an object that rolls without slipping. When this condition is met, exactly one point of the sphere (the bottom-most) is in instantaneous contact with the surface at anyone point in time.

Now consider what happens when a sphere undergoing rotational motion at a constant rate (constant angular velocity) has rolled forward a length equal to exactly one circumference. Answer the following questions:

1) How much time does this take? Hint: think in terms of ω. How many radians would the sphere have turned through?

2) What distance has the sphere traveled forward in this time? This is the same distance the centre of mass has moved (translationally). This should be obvious when you consider the sphere is a rigid body that's not undergoing any deformation (change in shape), so every point in it has to be moving translationally forward at the same speed.

3) Hence, what's ##v_{CM}##?
 

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