How Much Work Did the Hamster Do on the Exercise Wheel?

Remember to also take into account the mass and radius of the exercise wheel when calculating the moment of inertia. In summary, to find the work done by the hamster to get the exercise wheel moving, you need to compare the rotational energy before and after using the equation E_{rot}=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2, taking into account the mass and radius of the wheel.
  • #1
Hughey85
14
0
After getting a drink of water, a hamster jumps onto an exercise wheel for a run. A few seconds later the hamster is running in place with a speed of 0.8 m/s. Find the work done by the hamster to get the exercise wheel moving, assuming it is a hoop of radius 0.10 m and mass 5.9 g.


I'm not sure how to solve this one. I think you use

Work=(torque) x (delta theta)

Torque = rF

but, after that, I'm not sure what theta would be. Am I even using the right set of equations? Thanks for all the help! :smile:
 
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  • #2
All you need to do is compare the rotational energy before and after! That will equal the amount of work the hamster did. The rotational energy is half the product the moment of inertia and the square of the angular velocity.

Thanks to ehild for catching my missing 1/2!
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Tide said:
All you need to do is compare the rotational energy before and after! That will equal the amount of work the hamster did. The rotational energy is the product the moment of inertia and the square of the angular velocity.

half of this...

[tex] E_{rot}=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2[/tex]



ehild
 

FAQ: How Much Work Did the Hamster Do on the Exercise Wheel?

1. How does rotational work affect a hamster's movement?

Rotational work is the measure of the energy needed to rotate an object. In the case of a hamster, rotational work can affect its movement by determining how much energy it needs to move in a circular motion, such as running on a wheel.

2. Can a hamster perform rotational work?

Yes, a hamster can perform rotational work by using its muscles to rotate its body or limbs, such as when it runs on a wheel or turns its head to groom itself.

3. What factors can impact the rotational work of a hamster?

The rotational work of a hamster can be impacted by factors such as its size, weight, and the speed at which it moves. Other factors may include the type of surface it is moving on and any external forces acting on it.

4. Is rotational work important for a hamster's overall health?

Yes, rotational work is important for a hamster's overall health as it allows them to exercise and maintain their physical well-being. It also helps to keep their muscles and bones strong and healthy.

5. How can we measure rotational work in a hamster?

Rotational work can be measured by calculating the force applied to rotate the hamster and the distance it rotates. This can be done using a formula such as W = F x d, where W is the work, F is the force, and d is the distance. Alternatively, specialized equipment such as a dynamometer can be used to measure the force applied by the hamster.

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