Conservation of angular and linear momentum

In summary, the problem involves a rigid massless rod of length L joining two particles each of mass M. The rod lies on a frictionless table and is struck by a particle of mass M and velocity v0. After the collision, the projectile moves straight back. The angular velocity of the rod about its center of mass after the collision, assuming conservation of mechanical energy, is found using the conservation of linear momentum and conservation of angular momentum. The incoming particle has x component of linear momentum and angular momentum with respect to the origin. The final linear speed of the projectile should not be calculated using the elastic collision formula as the collision is not elastic and some of the initial linear kinetic energy is converted into rotational energy.
  • #1
wudingbin
24
0
a rigid massless rod of length L joins two particles each of mass M. The rod lies on
a frictionless table, and is struck by a particle of mass M and velocity v0. After the collision, the projectile moves straight back. Find the
angular velocity of the rod about its center of mass after the collision, assuming that
mechanical energy is conserved.

i tried to solve this question using the conservation of linear momentum first.
using ((m-2m)/3m)v0 to find the speed of the mass M after collision.
(2m/3m)v0, to find the speed of the rod after collision.
translational speed of the rod = (2/3v0 - wr)
angular speed of the rod = w

hence i used the conservation of energy method to solve for w.
however, my answer is incorrect. may i know which part, i am wrong
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You got the velocity of the particle after collision correctly: it is -Vo/3.
The velocity of the rod is also correct, but it is the velocity of the CM : Vcm=2/3 Vo.
I do not understand what you mean on "translational speed of the rod". You need to use conservation of angular momentum.

ehild
 
  • #3
ehild said:
You got the velocity of the particle after collision correctly: it is -Vo/3.
The velocity of the rod is also correct, but it is the velocity of the CM : Vcm=2/3 Vo.
I do not understand what you mean on "translational speed of the rod". You need to use conservation of angular momentum.

ehild
hi sir, if Vcm= 2/3Vo. then according to the conservation of mechanical energy, rotation of the rod could nt happen.
the translation speed is Vcm.
 
  • #4
ehild said:
You got the velocity of the particle after collision correctly: it is -Vo/3.
The velocity of the rod is also correct, but it is the velocity of the CM : Vcm=2/3 Vo.

isn't it the other way round? …

the rod is heavier, so it'll move less :smile:
 
  • #5
wudingbin said:
hi sir, if Vcm= 2/3Vo. then according to the conservation of mechanical energy, rotation of the rod could nt happen.
the translation speed is Vcm.

Sorry, I misunderstood the problem. Your results are correct if the projectile hits the rod at its end, parallel to it, like in the first picture. Then the angular momentum really stays zero. Is not said anything where the incoming particle hits the rod and about the direction of Vo with respect to the rod? Was not it meant as in the second picture?

ehild
 

Attachments

  • collisionrod.JPG
    collisionrod.JPG
    5.5 KB · Views: 687
Last edited:
  • #6
sorry sir, i should have upload the diagram earlier. the projectile hit the rod at 45 degree
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.jpg
    Untitled.jpg
    11.5 KB · Views: 692
  • #7
That is a difference! Set up a coordinate system, as in the picture for example. The linear momentum of he incoming particle has only x component before and after the collision, and it has some angular momentum with respect to the origin. The angular momentum is also conserved in the collision. Write up the equation for the angular momentum of the whole system in addition to the equations for linear momentum and KE. ehild
 

Attachments

  • rodhit.JPG
    rodhit.JPG
    15.8 KB · Views: 903
  • #8
hi sir,
i think i made a big conceptual mistake, thinking that the linear collision is elastic which is not, because some of the inital linear kinetic energy is converted into rotational energy, therefore the final linear speed of the projectile should not be calculated using elastic collision formula. i gt my answer now, thank a lot for the help.
 
  • #9
I am pleased that you solved the problem. Conservation of energy is valid, but the rotational energy has to be included.
For the sake of other people reading this thread could you please show your solution ?

ehild
 

FAQ: Conservation of angular and linear momentum

What is the conservation of angular and linear momentum?

The conservation of angular and linear momentum is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total angular and linear momentum of a system remains constant, unless acted upon by an external force. This means that the total amount of rotational and translational motion in a system will not change unless an external force is applied.

Why is the conservation of angular and linear momentum important?

The conservation of angular and linear momentum is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in motion. It is also a fundamental principle in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, and astronomy.

How is angular and linear momentum conserved?

Angular and linear momentum are conserved through the principle of conservation of energy. This means that when an object or system experiences a change in angular or linear momentum, an equal and opposite change in momentum will occur in another part of the system, resulting in a constant total momentum.

Can the conservation of angular and linear momentum be violated?

No, the conservation of angular and linear momentum is a fundamental law of physics and cannot be violated. It has been tested and proven to be true in countless experiments.

How is the conservation of angular and linear momentum applied in real-life situations?

The conservation of angular and linear momentum is applied in many real-life situations, such as in the design and operation of vehicles, machinery, and structures. It is also used in sports, such as figure skating and gymnastics, to control and manipulate rotational and linear movements. In astronomy, it helps us understand the motion of planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system.

Back
Top