What is its rotational kinetic energy?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the rotational kinetic energy of a system comprising a 240g ball and a 570g ball connected by a rigid rod, the first step is to determine the center of mass (COM) of the system. The moment of inertia must then be calculated for each ball about the COM, using the correct formulas, including the parallel axis theorem where necessary. The formula for rotational kinetic energy is KE = 0.5Iω^2, which was initially misstated in the discussion. Participants emphasized the importance of using the correct moment of inertia for solid spheres and ensuring all calculations are systematic. Following these steps will lead to the correct determination of the rotational kinetic energy.
Elleboys
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Homework Statement


A 240g ball and a 570g ball are connected by a 48.0-cm-long massless, rigid rod. The structure rotates about its center of mass at 110 rpm.



Homework Equations


KE = Iω^2
I = 1/12(mr^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


Since it has two masses and two different radius, I was not sure with what I should've done.
 
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Elleboys said:

Homework Statement


A 240g ball and a 570g ball are connected by a 48.0-cm-long massless, rigid rod. The structure rotates about its center of mass at 110 rpm.



Homework Equations


KE = Iω^2
I = 1/12(mr^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


Since it has two masses and two different radius, I was not sure with what I should've done.

Where did your formula for the moment of inertia come from? That doesn't look like the moment of inertia of a solid sphere (ball) to me.

To do this problem, you need the radius of each ball. Are you given this?

The first step is to find the common centre of mass (COM) of the system. Do you know how to do that?

The next step is to calculate the moment of inertia of the system about that common COM. This can be done by summing up the moments of each ball. Remember to use the right formula and remember the parallel axis theorem.

The final step to find the rotational KE is trivial. But you should note that even your formula for rotational KE is wrong (missing a factor of 0.5).
 
Last edited:
Curious3141 said:
Where did your formula for the moment of inertia come from? That doesn't look like the moment of inertia of a solid sphere (ball) to me.

To do this problem, you need the radius of each ball. Are you given this?

The first step is to find the common centre of mass (COM) of the system. Do you know how to do that?

The next step is to calculate the moment of inertia of the system about that common COM. This can be done by summing up the moments of each ball. Remember to use the right formula and remember the parallel axis theorem.

The final step to find the rotational KE is trivial. But you should note that even your formula for rotational KE is wrong (missing a factor of 0.5).

OHHHHH I see
And yes I put wrong formula for I.
So I believe that I need to find a center of mass, get moment of inertia of each particle about that COM, add them up and it will give me net moment of inertia.
And by using KE = Iω^2, I can get the answer.
Am I on the right track?
 
Elleboys said:
And by using KE = Iω^2, I can get the answer.
Am I on the right track?

You still need to add the 0.5 on front of your formula for KE like Curious3141 said. KE = 0.5Iω^2
 
Elleboys said:
OHHHHH I see
And yes I put wrong formula for I.
So I believe that I need to find a center of mass, get moment of inertia of each particle about that COM, add them up and it will give me net moment of inertia.
And by using KE = Iω^2, I can get the answer.
Am I on the right track?

Yes, you're on the right track (except that ##K = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2##). Work through it systematically.
 
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