What is the relationship between force and weight in rotating a disk?

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SUMMARY

The relationship between force and weight in rotating a disk is defined by the equation τ = Iω, where τ represents torque, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity. Increasing the weight of the disk directly affects the force required to maintain a specific rotational speed. For instance, increasing the weight from 40 lb to 50 lb necessitates a proportional increase in force to sustain the same angular velocity. This relationship is governed by the principle that the moment of inertia increases with mass, thereby requiring an equivalent increase in applied force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and its calculation (τ = F.d)
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia and its dependence on mass
  • Familiarity with angular velocity (ω) and its role in rotational dynamics
  • Basic principles of rotational motion and dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the calculation of moment of inertia for various shapes and masses
  • Learn about the effects of torque on rotational motion in different systems
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular motion
  • Investigate the principles of gyroscopic motion and stability
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of rotating systems will benefit from this discussion.

mather
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hello

there is a stick fixed in the center of a disk, so that when the stick rotates, it makes the disk rotate too (something like the car wheels), like this:

[PLAIN]https://p.secure.hostingprod.com/@images.boomerangs.com/images/gyroscope.jpg

how can we calculate the relationship between force needed to rotate the disk and the weight of the disk ?

the rotational inertia of the disk resists the torque applied to rotate it

for example if we increase the weight of the disk by 10 lb (from 40 lb to 50 lb), the force needed to maintain a specific rotating speed would increase, but how much exactly?

thanks
 
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hello mather! :smile:
mather said:
… how can we calculate the relationship between force needed to rotate the disk and the weight of the disk ?

for example if we increase the weight of the disk by 10 lb (from 40 lb to 50 lb), the force needed to maintain a specific rotating speed would increase, but how much exactly?

If the mass is m, the angular velocity is ω, and the moment of inertia is I,

then the rotational equivalent to F = ma is τ = Iω, where τ is the torque of the force (τ = F.d where d is the vector from the axis to the line of application of F).

If you multiply the mass by a factor k (but keep the density constant), then I is also multiplied by k, so you would need to multiply the force by k also. :smile:
 

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