What Is the Angular Momentum of Two Masses on a Rotating Rod?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the angular momentum of a system consisting of two masses attached to a rotating rod. The rod rotates about a pivot at its center, and the masses are positioned at its ends. The specific parameters include the length of the rod, the masses of the particles, and their linear speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the angular momentum using the moment of inertia and angular velocity formulas but expresses uncertainty about their approach.
  • Some participants suggest considering the moment of inertia about the center of mass and provide calculations for the center of mass and moment of inertia.
  • Others question the correctness of the radius used in the calculations and the method for determining the moment of inertia.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a focus on ensuring the calculations align with the physical setup of the problem.

MissPenguins
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Homework Statement


A light, rigid rod l = 9.44 m in length rotates
in the xy plane about a pivot through the
rod’s center. Two particles of masses m1 =
9.1 kg and m2 = 2.5 kg are connected to its
ends.


Determine the angular momentum of the
system about the origin at the instant the
speed of each particle is v = 2.1 m/s.
Answer in units of kgm2/s.

Homework Equations


Lz=Iw
I = mr2
I = (1/12)ML2
w = v/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the above equations:
Lz=Iw
I = mr2
I = (1/12)ML2
w = v/r
I = 1/12(9.1kg)((9.44)2)=67.578
I = 1/12(2.5kg)((9.44)2)=18.57
sum of I = 86.1431
Used w = v/r = ((2.1m/s))/(9.44/2)=0.444915
Lz=Iw
(86.1431)(0.444915)=38.32639
I got it wrong, please help, what did I do wrong? Did I even approach the right way? Thanks.
 
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To find the correct value of I, you would need the moment of inertia about the centre of mass?
 
For the MOI about the centre of mass, take take the radius as 4.72m and the centre x=0.
Hence,

centre of mass, [tex]x_{cm}= \frac{2.5\times -4.72 +9.1\times 4.72}{2.5+9.1}<br /> =2.68m[/tex]

MOI, [tex]I_{cm}=\frac{1}{12}(M_{system})(x_{cm})^{2}=\frac{1}{12}(11.6)(2.68)^{2}=6.94[/tex]

[tex]\omega=\frac{v}{r}<br /> =\frac{2.1}{4.72}<br /> = 0.44 rad/s[/tex]

Therefore, [tex]L=I\omega=6.94\times 0.44=3.05 kgm^{2}/s[/tex]
 
mitch987 said:
For the MOI about the centre of mass, take take the radius as 4.72m and the centre x=0.
Hence,

centre of mass, [tex]x_{cm}= \frac{2.5\times -4.72 +9.1\times 4.72}{2.5+9.1}<br /> =2.68m[/tex]

MOI, [tex]I_{cm}=\frac{1}{12}(M_{system})(x_{cm})^{2}=\frac{1}{12}(11.6)(2.68)^{2}=6.94[/tex]

[tex]\omega=\frac{v}{r}<br /> =\frac{2.1}{4.72}<br /> = 0.44 rad/s[/tex]

Therefore, [tex]L=I\omega=6.94\times 0.44=3.05 kgm^{2}/s[/tex]


I tried that, but it is not right either. ;(
 

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