Question

A thin rod of length 0.64 m and mass 120 g is suspended freely from one end. It is pulled to one side and then allowed to swing like a pendulum, passing through its lowest position with angular speed 1.40 rad/s. Neglecting friction and air resistance, find (a) the rod's kinetic energy at its lowest position and (b) how far above that position the center of mass rises.

Answer 1

1. Kinetic Energy = 0.0161 Joules

2. Height = 0.0137m

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Length of Rod, l = 0.64m

Mass, m = 120g = 0.12kg

Angular speed, w = 1.40 rad/s

a.

Calculating the Rod's kinetic energy

This is calculated by

Kinetic Energy = ½Iw²

Where I = rotational inertia of the rod about an axis.

This is calculated as follows;

I = Icm + mh²

I = ImL² + m(L/2)²

I = 1/12 * 0.12 * 0.64² + 0.12 * (0.64/2)²

I = 0.016384 kgm²

By substituton

KE = ½Iw² becomes

KE = ½ * 0.016384 * 1.40²

KE = 0.01605632J

KE = 0.0161 Joules

2. Using the total conservation of momentum;

K + U = Kf + V

Where K = Initial Kinetic Energy of the rod at lowest point.

U = Initial gravitational potential energy of the rod at lowest point

Kf = Final Kinetic Energy of the rod at maximum height = 0 J

V = Final gravitational potential energy of the rod at maximum height

So, K + U = Kf + V become

K + U = 0 + V

K + U = V

K = V - U = mgh

substitute 0.01605632J for K

0.01605632J = mgh

h = 0.01605632J/mg

h = 0.01605632J/(0.12 * 9.8)

h = 0.013653333333333

h = 0.0137m