Question

A 4.00-m long rod is hinged at one end. The rod is initially held in the horizontal position, and then released as the free end is allowed to fall. What is the angular acceleration as it is released

Answer 1

The angular acceleration α = 14.7 rad/s²

Step-by-step explanation:

The torque on the rod τ = Iα where I = moment of inertia of rod = mL²/12 where m =mass of rod and L = length of rod = 4.00 m. α = angular acceleration of rod

Also, τ = Wr where W = weight of rod = mg and r = center of mass of rod = L/2.

So Iα = Wr

Substituting the value of the variables, we have

mL²α/12 = mgL/2

Simplifying by dividing through by mL, we have

mL²α/12mL = mgL/2mL

Lα/12 = g/2

multiplying both sides by 12, we have

Lα/12 × 12 = g/2 × 12

αL = 6g

α = 6g/L

α = 6 × 9.8 m/s² ÷ 4.00 m

α = 58.8 m/s² ÷ 4.00 m

α = 14.7 rad/s²

So, the angular acceleration α = 14.7 rad/s²