Classical Mechanics - Rotational Motion


A thin uniform rod of mass M and length L is positioned vertically above an anchored frictionless pivot point, as shown in the figure, and then allowed to fall to the ground. With what speed does the free end of the rod strike the ground?

A. 
B. 
C. 
D. 
E. 
(GR0177 #26)

Solution:


 photo GR0177 26a_zpspoqheerx.png gr0177 #26b photo GR0177 26b_zpsib6ewhzg.png


Conservation of energy of the system before and after the rod falls onto the ground:
Mgy = ½Iω2

y = L/2 (center of the mass of the rod is at the center of the rod)
Moment inertia of uniform rod: = ¹/₃ML
= rω 
vωL → ω v/

Mg(L/2) = ½(¹/₃ML2)(v/L)2
gL = ¹/₃ v2
v = (3gL)1/2 

Answer: C

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