How Do You Solve This Energy Conservation Problem?

In summary, the problem at hand is a conservation of energy problem involving a cylinder and a mass attached to a rope. The system's total energy is conserved, and at two points in time, the energy can be defined as the sum of potential and kinetic energies. The first point is just before the mass is released, and the second point is just before the mass hits the ground. The kinetic energy of the cylinder must also be taken into account, which is the sum of linear and rotational kinetic energies. With this information, the problem can be solved by setting the total energy at the two points equal to each other and solving for the unknown variables.
  • #1
webdivx
16
0

Homework Statement


http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5227/4rj8.jpg


Homework Equations


Not sure, but I think KE=.5mv2 and PE=mgh are two possibly useful equations for this problem.



The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to even start this problem. I've been searching the internet for hours and I seriously need help. Step by step instructions on how to do this are really really appriciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
When using conservation of energy, you have to define the system which is of interest to you. You have a cylinder and a mass attached to the rope. Now, what exactly does conservation fo energy tell you, if you analyse the energies of the system at the point before the release and at the point just before the mass strikes the ground? What kind of energy do the objects in motion possess?
 
  • #3
radou said:
When using conservation of energy, you have to define the system which is of interest to you. You have a cylinder and a mass attached to the rope. Now, what exactly does conservation fo energy tell you, if you analyse the energies of the system at the point before the release and at the point just before the mass strikes the ground? What kind of energy do the objects in motion possess?

they possesses Kinetic Energy if they are in motion.
 
  • #4
webdivx said:
they possesses Kinetic Energy if they are in motion.

Exactly. Note that the cylinder possesses rotational kinetic energy, since it has an angular velocity [tex]\omega[/tex]. Find the relation between the translatoral velocity v of the other mass and between the angular velocity of the cylinder, and simply use energy conservation.
 
  • #5
radou said:
Exactly. Note that the cylinder possesses rotational kinetic energy, since it has an angular velocity [tex]\omega[/tex]. Find the relation between the translatoral velocity v of the other mass and between the angular velocity of the cylinder, and simply use energy conservation.

i don't know how to do that :cry:

please walk me through
 
  • #6
webdivx said:
i don't know how to do that :cry:

please walk me through

Okay, do you know how to use conservation of energy? The total energy of the system is constant in time, so you can pick two points in time at which you will analyse the system. Let's pick the first point as the point just before the mass on the rope is left to move freely, and the second point as the point just before the same mass falls onto the ground. Now, define the energy of the system (i.e. the sum of potential and kinetic energy) for point 1 and for point 2, and then set them equal.
 
  • #7
radou said:
Okay, do you know how to use conservation of energy? The total energy of the system is constant in time, so you can pick two points in time at which you will analyse the system. Let's pick the first point as the point just before the mass on the rope is left to move freely, and the second point as the point just before the same mass falls onto the ground. Now, define the energy of the system (i.e. the sum of potential and kinetic energy) for point 1 and for point 2, and then set them equal.

KE=.5mv2 and PE=mgh

point 1 = PE
point 2 = KE + PE

so it would be mgh = .5mv2 + mgh
 
  • #8
webdivx said:
KE=.5mv2 and PE=mgh

point 1 = PE
point 2 = KE + PE

so it would be mgh = .5mv2 + mgh

There is no potential energy at point 2, since the mass is alomst on the floor. Further on, '.5mv2' (which is supposed to be 0.5mv^2, I assume), as you wrote, is the kinetic energy of the mass attached to the rope. What is the kinetic energy of the cylinder? You have to count that energy in, too.
 
  • #9
radou said:
There is no potential energy at point 2, since the mass is alomst on the floor. Further on, '.5mv2' (which is supposed to be 0.5mv^2, I assume), as you wrote, is the kinetic energy of the mass attached to the rope. What is the kinetic energy of the cylinder? You have to count that energy in, too.

is the kinetic energy of the cylinder .5mv^2 = .5MR^2
 
  • #10
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Hootenanny said:
The total kinetic energy of the cylinder is the sum of the linear kinetic energy and the rotational kinetic energy of the cylinder. For more information on rotational kinetic energy, http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rke.html#rke"

:cry: i just don't understand. there's like a physics block in my mind. can somebody please solve for me.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
webdivx said:
:cry: i just don't understand. there's like a physics block in my mind. can somebody please solve for me.
I'm afraid we won't solve it for you here; however, if you show some effort we will guide you through the problem. Now, the total energy of the system should be conserved, the pulley is frictionless so we can write the total energy of the pulley system as;

Total energy = Gravitation Potential Energy of mass + Kinetic Energy of the mass + rotational kinetic energy of the cylinder

Can you take the next step?
 

FAQ: How Do You Solve This Energy Conservation Problem?

What is the conservation of energy problem?

The conservation of energy problem refers to the principle of energy conservation, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time.

Why is the conservation of energy important?

The conservation of energy is important because it is a fundamental law of nature and is applicable to all physical systems. It helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects and systems, and is essential for the development of many technologies.

How is the conservation of energy problem solved?

The conservation of energy problem is solved by using mathematical equations and principles, such as the law of conservation of energy, to analyze and calculate the energy transformations within a system. This can help us determine the initial and final states of a system and the amount of energy involved.

What are some real-life examples of the conservation of energy problem?

Some real-life examples of the conservation of energy problem include a swinging pendulum, a rolling ball, and a bouncing ball. In each of these cases, the total energy of the system remains constant, even as the energy is transformed from potential to kinetic and back again.

Are there any exceptions to the conservation of energy principle?

While the conservation of energy is a fundamental principle, there are some exceptions to its application. These include situations involving nuclear reactions, where energy can be converted into matter, and in the presence of dark energy, which is thought to cause the expansion of the universe.

Similar threads

Conservation of Mechanical Energy - Which Equation To Use?
Replies
9
Views
688
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
Replies
2
Views
484
A problem about the laws of conservation: Bullet colliding with a wood block
Replies
28
Views
511
Conservation of energy problem: Ball rolling down inclined plane and then through a loop-the-loop
Replies
10
Views
1K
Discovering Vector Direction in Conservation of Energy Problems
Replies
15
Views
1K
Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
Replies
7
Views
2K
Calculating Flywheel Inertia Using Conservation of Energy Equations?
Replies
14
Views
1K
Conservation of Energy in Trampoline Bounce
Replies
20
Views
2K
Confused about a conservation of energy problem
Replies
4
Views
1K
Is energy conserved is this problem?
2
Replies
44
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top