Conservation of Rotational Momentum and changes in Rotational Speed

In summary, the rotational speed of the record after the putty falls and sticks on it is 2.5 rad/s. This is calculated by first finding the new rotational inertia of the record and then setting the initial momentum equal to the final momentum and solving for the final rotational velocity. The new rotational inertia is found by adding the mass of the blob (.040kg) multiplied by the distance from the center (.10m) squared to the initial rotational inertia of the record (.0005kg*m^2). This gives a final rotational inertia of .0009kg*m^2. Plugging this into the equation for initial and final momentum, we get 4.5 rad/s (initial rotational velocity) multiplied by .0005kg
  • #1
physicsflunky
2
0

Homework Statement



There is a record spinning when a blob of putty falls vertically on its edge; which is .10m from the center. What is the rotational speed of the record after the blob sticks on it?

additional information:

mass of blob = .040kg
mass of record = .10kg
rotational inertia of record before collision = .0005kg*m^2
rotational speed before collision = 4.5 rad/s

Homework Equations



I = m(r^2)
Iwi = Iwf

I = Rotational Inertia
wi = Initial Rotational Velocity
wf = Final Rotational Velocity
r = distance from point of rotation to point of applied force

The Attempt at a Solution



(calculate new rotational inertia)
I = m(r^2)
= .040(.10^2) = .0004

.0004 + .0005 = .0009

(set initial momentum equal to final momentum and solve for Wf)
4.5(.0005) = I(Wf)
.00225 = .0009(Wf)
2.5 = Wf
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What you did looks fine. Don't forget the units on your final answer.
 
  • #3
It was correct. I'll make sure to include units in the future. Thanks.
 

Related to Conservation of Rotational Momentum and changes in Rotational Speed

1. What is Conservation of Rotational Momentum?

Conservation of Rotational Momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external torque.

2. How is Conservation of Rotational Momentum related to changes in Rotational Speed?

According to the Law of Conservation of Rotational Momentum, when there is no external torque acting on a system, the total angular momentum remains constant. This means that if the rotational speed of an object increases, its moment of inertia must decrease in order to maintain a constant angular momentum.

3. What factors can cause changes in Rotational Speed?

Changes in Rotational Speed can be caused by external torques, such as forces applied to an object, or by changes in the moment of inertia, which is affected by the mass and distribution of mass of the object.

4. How does Conservation of Rotational Momentum apply to real-life situations?

Conservation of Rotational Momentum can be observed in many real-life situations, such as the movement of a spinning top, a figure skater performing a spin, or a planet orbiting around a star. In all of these cases, the total angular momentum remains constant unless there is an external torque acting on the system.

5. What are some practical applications of Conservation of Rotational Momentum?

Conservation of Rotational Momentum is an important principle in designing machines and devices that involve rotational motion, such as engines, turbines, and flywheels. It is also used in sports, such as figure skating and gymnastics, where athletes use their body's rotational momentum to perform spins and flips.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
846
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
10
Replies
335
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
948
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
963
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
2K
Back
Top