Rotating rod, inertia and torque

In summary, the rotational inertia of the system is calculated to be 0.95625 kgm^2. To find the torque required to keep the system rotating at a constant speed, we need to convert the rotational speed of 5030 rev/min to 526 rad/s and plug it into the equation T=Iα. However, since there is no angular acceleration (α=0), we cannot use this equation. The correct equation to use is T=Iω^2, where ω is the angular speed in rad/s. The torque from air drag must also be taken into account, so the final torque required is 502.9Nm + 0.0165Nm = 503Nm.
  • #1
jl9999
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Homework Statement


A small ball with mass 1.70 kg is mounted on one end of a rod 0.750 m long and of negligible mass. The system rotates in a horizontal circle about the other end of the rod at 5030 rev/min.

(a) Calculate the rotational inertia of the system about the axis of rotation.
(b) There is an air drag of 2.20 10-2 N on the ball, directed opposite its motion. What torque must be applied to the system to keep it rotating at constant speed?



Homework Equations


I=mr^2
T=FR
T=Ialpha



The Attempt at a Solution



So I got (a) which is simply I=mr^2, or I=(1.70)(.750)^2, I=.95625 kgm^2

I thought I had (b) but I was wrong. First I broke down the 5,030 rev/min to an angular acceleration which came out to 526 rad/s^2. Then I plugged that, along with the I into T=Ialpha which came out to, T=(.9562)(526), T=502.9Nm. I then added in the calculated torque from the air drag which was T=(.022)(.75), =.0165Nm to come out with a torque of 503Nm, which was wrong. I have absolutely no idea what detail(s) I'm missing because I was sure I had this one. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you.
 
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  • #2
hi jl9999! :smile:

(have an alpha: α and an omega: ω and a tau: τ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
jl9999 said:
I thought I had (b) but I was wrong. First I broke down the 5,030 rev/min to an angular acceleration which came out to 526 rad/s^2. Then I plugged that, along with the I into T=Ialpha …

i'm sorry, but both those are completely wrong :redface:

rev/min is a speed, not an acceleration, it converts to rad/s

and α is zero, so how will τ = Iα help?

try again :smile:
 
  • #3
...actually (a) was right, according to the webassign(auto-grading homework website) Thanks for pointing out what I missed though. I often misread stuff. hopefully I can get it now.
 

FAQ: Rotating rod, inertia and torque

What is a rotating rod?

A rotating rod is a long, slender object that can spin around an axis. It is commonly used in physics experiments to study rotational motion and its effects.

What is inertia?

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. In rotational motion, it refers to the resistance of a rotating object to changes in its rate of rotation.

How does the length of a rotating rod affect its inertia?

The longer the rotating rod, the higher its inertia will be. This is because the mass of the rod is distributed farther from the axis of rotation, making it more difficult to change its rotational motion.

What is torque?

Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance between the force and the axis of rotation.

How does torque affect the rotation of a rod?

Applying torque to a rotating rod will cause it to accelerate or decelerate its rotation, depending on the direction of the torque. The greater the torque, the greater the change in rotational motion will be.

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