Minimum Velocity for Cube to Fall Off Table - Rotational Motion Question

In summary, the conversation discusses the conditions for a solid cube of side 2a and mass M to fall off a frictionless table after hitting a small obstacle. It also brings up the concept of a bola and calculates the angular speed of the bola using both conservation of linear momentum and conservation of angular momentum. The conversation ends with a question about the minimum velocity needed for a cube to rotate off the table.
  • #1
semc
368
5
Solid cube of side 2a and mass M is sliding on a frictionless table with velocity v. It hits a small obstacle at the end of the table causing it to tilt. What is the minimum velocity to cause the cube to fall off the table?

Totally no clue where to start I don't even know what's the condition for the cube to fall off...

A bola basically consist of three stones at the end of three cord so when it is thrown in air they will spread out with constant 120 degree angles between the cord. Assume three stones with mass m and cord with length l. The hunter takes one stone and swing the bola so 2 stones move together in a horizontal circle of radius 2l and speed v0. Calculate the angular speed of the bola about the center of mass.

Using COM 2mv0=3mvf so vf=[tex]\frac{2}{3}[/tex]v0 and v=l[tex]\omega[/tex] so [tex]\omega[/tex]=[tex]\frac{2}{3l}[/tex]v0
However if I use conservation of angular momentum,
L=I[tex]\omega[/tex]
mrvf=[tex]\frac{4}{3}[/tex]lmv0=I[tex]\omega[/tex]
[tex]\omega[/tex]=[tex]\frac{4}{9l}[/tex]v0

Why are the angular velocity different?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi semc! :wink:
semc said:
Solid cube of side 2a and mass M is sliding on a frictionless table with velocity v. It hits a small obstacle at the end of the table causing it to tilt. What is the minimum velocity to cause the cube to fall off the table?

Totally no clue where to start I don't even know what's the condition for the cube to fall off...

A lower edge AB of the cube stops at the edge of the table. The cube was going so fast that the opposite lower edge starts to lift up, and the whole cube rotates about edge AB. How fast does it have to be for the rotation to go so far that the cube rotates right round, and goes off the table? :smile:
 

FAQ: Minimum Velocity for Cube to Fall Off Table - Rotational Motion Question

What is rotational motion?

Rotational motion is the movement of an object around an axis or a fixed point. It is different from linear motion, which is the movement of an object in a straight line.

What causes rotational motion?

Rotational motion is caused by a force acting on an object at a distance from its center of mass. This force creates a torque, which causes the object to rotate around its axis.

What is the difference between angular velocity and linear velocity?

Angular velocity is the rate at which an object rotates around an axis, while linear velocity is the rate at which an object moves in a straight line. Angular velocity is measured in radians per second, while linear velocity is measured in meters per second.

How is rotational motion related to inertia?

Rotational motion is related to inertia because the rotational inertia of an object determines how easily it can be rotated. Objects with a larger rotational inertia require more torque to rotate, while objects with a smaller rotational inertia rotate more easily.

Can rotational motion be described using Newton's laws of motion?

Yes, rotational motion can be described using the principles of Newton's laws of motion. The first law states that an object will continue to rotate at a constant speed and direction unless acted upon by an external torque. The second law relates the net torque on an object to its rotational acceleration, and the third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, which also applies to rotational motion.

Back
Top