What is the moment of inertia and angular velocity of a released rod?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the moment of inertia and angular velocity of a uniform rod pivoted at one end. The moment of inertia is determined using the parallel-axis theorem, yielding I = (1/12)ML^2 + (M*(L/2)^2). To find the angular velocity when the rod reaches the vertical position, participants suggest using conservation of energy principles, equating gravitational potential energy lost to rotational kinetic energy gained. The height change for the center of mass is crucial for accurate calculations. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationships between torque, angular acceleration, and energy conservation in rotational motion.
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A uniform rod of mass M=5.0 kg and length ℓ=20 cm is pivoted on a frictionless hinge at the end
of it. The rod is held horizontally and then released.

a) Use the parallel-axis theorem to determine the moment of inertia of the rod about the hinge (ie
its end).

b) Determine the angular velocity of the rod when it reaches the vertical position and the speed of
the rod tip’s at this point.I=MR^2

Ok so what I did first was 1/12 ML^2 as "I" about the hinge is 1/12ML2 + (M*(L/2)2) to work out A.

I don't really know how to work out b though, apart from possibly using that to work out the distance from the radius and then doing work done to then find out ω, I assume.
 
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Draw a picture of the rod in the horizontal position before it is released. At the moment of release, what are the forces acting on the rod? How do these forces cause the rod to rotate about the hinged end? Draw a free body diagram.

Do you know the relationship between angular acceleration and the moment acting on a body? You know, something you might have picked up in a physics class about rotational motion.
 
SteamKing said:
Draw a picture of the rod in the horizontal position before it is released. At the moment of release, what are the forces acting on the rod? How do these forces cause the rod to rotate about the hinged end? Draw a free body diagram.

Do you know the relationship between angular acceleration and the moment acting on a body? You know, something you might have picked up in a physics class about rotational motion.


So If I work out I = (1/12)*M*R2
Then τ = MG* 10x10-2 (as the length of the rod is 20x10-2 - Only weight is
acting)

Then I use the solution to that and plug it into (1/2)ω2*I and solve for ω?
 
RyRy19 said:
So If I work out I = (1/12)*M*R2
Except that you want the moment about the hinge, as calculated in (a).
Then τ = MG* 10x10-2
As you suggested, the easy way is to use work conservation. For that, you don't need the torque. What is the rotational KE gained? What PE has been lost?
 
haruspex said:
Except that you want the moment about the hinge, as calculated in (a).

As you suggested, the easy way is to use work conservation. For that, you don't need the torque. What is the rotational KE gained? What PE has been lost?


So I would do mgh, for the GPE and then solve to work out v from 1/2mv^2 ? I'm guessing you take the height in regards to a triangle? Find the resultant vector or rather the hypotenuse?

If so I think I understand.

Thanks for the help.
 
RyRy19 said:
So I would do mgh, for the GPE and then solve to work out v from 1/2mv^2 ? I'm guessing you take the height in regards to a triangle? Find the resultant vector or rather the hypotenuse?

If so I think I understand.

Thanks for the help.

No I don't think you understand. What's the height h? Why aren't you using the formula for the kinetic energy of rotational motion?
 
RyRy19 said:
So I would do mgh, for the GPE and then solve to work out v from 1/2mv^2 ?
No, ##\frac 12 I\omega^2##, as you posted earlier. But make sure to use the right I.
I'm guessing you take the height in regards to a triangle? Find the resultant vector or rather the hypotenuse?
Triangle? You want the change in height of the mass centre of the rod.
 
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