Why is the angular momentum negative in a disk and stick collision?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the calculation of angular momentum in a disk and stick collision scenario, specifically addressing the equation ## L_{f} = -rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega##. The negative sign arises from the convention that anticlockwise rotation is considered positive, while the diagram inaccurately depicts the angular velocity ##\omega## as clockwise. This discrepancy leads to confusion regarding the sign of the angular momentum. The total change in angular momentum is expressed as ##\Delta\vec{L}_{total} = \vec{L}_{f} - \vec{L}_{i}##, emphasizing the importance of consistent sign conventions in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum concepts
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics
  • Knowledge of sign conventions in physics
  • Basic grasp of the moment of inertia (I)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of angular momentum conservation
  • Learn about the effects of sign conventions in rotational motion
  • Explore examples of disk and stick collisions in physics
  • Investigate the relationship between linear and angular momentum
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone studying rotational dynamics or analyzing collision scenarios in mechanics.

hhjjy
Messages
13
Reaction score
6
Homework Statement
A 2.0-kg disk traveling at 3.0 m/s strikes a 1.0-kg stick of length 4.0 m that is lying flat on nearly frictionless ice as shown in the overhead view of Figure 11.12a. The disk strikes at the endpoint of the stick, at a distance r = 2.0 m from the stick’s center.

Assume the collision is elastic and the disk does not deviate from its original line of motion. Find the translational speed of the disk, the translational speed of the stick, and the angular speed of the stick after the collision. The moment of inertia of the stick about its center of mass is 1.33 kg m^2?
Relevant Equations
## L_{f} = L{i} ##
## L = \vec{r} \times \vec{p} ##
## |L| = mvr \sin{\theta}##
figure 11.12
1640483489226.png


I need someone to explain why the angular momentum of the ball is ## L_{f} = -rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega## rather than ## L_{f} = rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega ##. How to distinguish the sign of the angular momentum?p.s. ##\Delta\vec{L}_{total} = \vec{L}_{f} - \vec{L}_{i} = (-rm_{d}v_{df} + I\omega) - (-rm_{d}v_{di}) ##
1640483625566.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hhjjy said:
explain why the angular momentum of the ball is ## L_{f} = -rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega## rather than ## L_{f} = rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega ##. How to distinguish the sign of the angular momentum?
## L_{f} = -rm_{d}V_{df} + I\omega## is the final angular momentum of ball plus stick. That of the ball is just ## L_{f} = -rm_{d}V_{df} ##
As is a common standard, the author is taking anticlockwise rotation as positive. What is misleading is that the diagram shows ##\omega## as being measured clockwise. To be correct, it should indicate the rotation as anticlockwise, but understanding that it will come out negative.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: hhjjy
Ok, thanks.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
998
Replies
335
Views
16K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K