Spinning puck rotational motion

In summary, the problem involves a puck with mass m on a frictionless table, rotating in a circle of radius r_0 at a speed v_0. The radius of the circle is reduced by pulling the string through a hole in the table. The speed of the mass can be expressed as a function of the reduced radius r. The tension in the string is inversely proportional to the cube of the radius. The angular momentum of the system remains constant before and after the string is shortened, allowing for the determination of velocity and tension.
  • #1
amohamed
1
0

Homework Statement



A puck, mass m, on the end of a (thin, light) string rotates in a circle of radius r_0
at a speed v_0
on a
frictionless table. The radius of the circle is slowly reduced from its initial value by pulling the string
through a hole in the table.

A. Hence write down an expression for the speed of the mass when the radius is reduced to some radius
r
B. Write down an expression for the tension in the string and show it goes like 1/r^3

Homework Equations


v=rw

The Attempt at a Solution



i split the above problem into two systems. rotational and kinematic. the kinetic energy is
0.5mrw^2-0.5^mr_0w^2. For the rotational system i am unsure how this is linked to tension ?. Is my starting point correct ?.
 
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  • #2
What is the angular momentum of the system before the string is shortened?

What is the tension?

After the string is shortened does the angular momentum change?

If not, then you can figure the velocity as a function of the strings length and with that figure out the tension.

Good luck!
 

FAQ: Spinning puck rotational motion

What is "spinning puck rotational motion"?

"Spinning puck rotational motion" refers to the movement of a rotating puck on a surface. This motion is a combination of linear and circular motion, as the puck both moves forward and rotates on its axis.

How is rotational motion different from linear motion?

Rotational motion involves movement around an axis, while linear motion involves movement in a straight line. In the case of a spinning puck, it is both rotating on its own axis and moving in a linear direction across the surface.

What factors affect the rotational motion of a spinning puck?

The rotational motion of a spinning puck can be affected by several factors, including the initial velocity of the puck, the surface it is rotating on, and any external forces acting upon it (such as friction or air resistance).

How does the moment of inertia affect rotational motion?

The moment of inertia, which is the measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion, plays a significant role in the spinning puck's rotational motion. A higher moment of inertia will result in a slower rotational speed, while a lower moment of inertia will result in a faster rotational speed.

What is the conservation of angular momentum and how does it relate to spinning puck rotational motion?

The conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant, unless acted upon by an external torque. In the case of a spinning puck, this means that its rotational speed will remain constant as long as there is no external force acting upon it, demonstrating the principle of inertia.

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