What Is the Speed of the Center of Mass in a Swinging Disk Versus a Hoop?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the speed of the center of mass of a swinging disk and the complexities involved in calculating it using moment of inertia and torque. The initial approach using torque led to confusion due to non-uniform angular acceleration, prompting a shift to energy conservation methods. The correct relationship derived shows that the speed of the center of mass when the disk is vertical is v = √(4gR/3). The conversation also raises a question about how the speed would change if a uniform hoop were used instead of a solid disk. The final conclusion emphasizes that energy conservation is a more reliable method for solving this type of problem.
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I have been thinking for an hour and i still couldn't get the answer for this qns. It involve moment of inertia.

a uniform solid disk, radius R and mass M, free to rotate about a frictionless pivot on a point on its rim.It is released from a position where the centre of mass is horizontal to its pivot, and its allowed to swing till the centre of mass is vertically below. What is the speed of the centre of mass when is at that position?

My solution

moment of inertia=Icm+MR^2
moment of inertia= 1/2 MR^2 +MR^2=3/2 MR^2
Torque=moment of inertia X angular a
Mg R= 3/2 MR^2 a
a=2g/3R
Final angular v (Wf)^2= Wi^2 +2a(angular displacement)
Wf^2= 0 +2(2g/3R)(pi/4)
Wf can be found
V of the centre of mass , R distance away from the pivot= RWf

However, the answer in the book is 2 (Rg/3)^0.5
 
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Think ... Whether the torque is constant?(NOOO). The angular acceleration is non uniform. The equation used, is it true for non uniform accelerations?

Batter to use energy conservation.
 
The torque is variable.
Instead of being T = MgR, it's more like T = MgR.cosθ

Hint: d²θ/dt² = dω/dt = dω/dθ.dθ/dt = ω.dω/dθ

so use: d²θ/dt²= ω.dω/dθ
 
So i get MgRcosQ=3/2R.w.dw/dQ

I am stuck again?
 
Hurray!
I got it!
MgRcos Q=I A Q=angle btw g and the F(in the direction of v)
I cm = integrate r^2dm(limit:R to 0)

=inte.r^2(2pir)DXdr X=thickness, D=density
...
=1/2MR^2
Since axis is not abt the COM

I= Icm+MR^2
=3/2MR^2

.;MgcosQ=3/2MR^2.A
A can be found

Wf^2=Wi^2+2AQ
=0+2{2gCosQ/3R)dQ
Since Q varies from 0 to the position( pi/4)

Wf^2=inte. 4gcos Q/3R. dQ (limit: pi/4 to 0)
=[4gSinQ/3R]
=4g/3R
Wf =root 4g/3R
V =R root 4g/3R


Thanks everyone
 
Can be done using energy conservation as

loss in PE = gain in RKE
MgR = 0.5 I w^2
MgR = 0.5(1.5MR^2)v^2/R^2
v^2 = 4gR/3
 
What if, instead of uniform solid disk, a uniform hoop is used? what's the Vcm then? Thanks!
 
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