Solution
Related Formula
τ = I α where τ is the torque, I is the moment of inertia about the axis of rotation, and α is the angular acceleration.
Core Logic
First, calculate the total moment of inertia of the system (two discs + one rod) about axis AB using the parallel axis theorem. Let m = 600 ~gm and R = 10 ~cm.
Step 1: Moment of Inertia of Discs
For the left disc (distance R from AB):
Ileft = (1)/(4)mR² + mR² = (5)/(4)mR²For the right disc (distance 2R from AB):
Iright = (1)/(4)mR² + m(2R)² = (17)/(4)mR²Total for discs:
Idiscs = (5)/(4)mR² + (17)/(4)mR² = (22)/(4)mR² = (11)/(2)mR²Step 2: Moment of Inertia of Rod
Rod has mass m and length 3R = 30 ~cm. Its center of mass is at a distance R/2 from axis AB.
Irod = (m(3R)²)/(12) + m((R)/(2))² = (9mR²)/(12) + (mR²)/(4) = (3)/(4)mR² + (1)/(4)mR² = mR²Step 3: Total Moment of Inertia
Itotal = ((11)/(2) + 1) mR² = (13)/(2) mR²Substitute m = 600 ~g and R = 10 ~cm:
Itotal = (13)/(2) × 600 × (10)² = 39 × 10⁴ ~g · cm²Step 4: Calculating Angular Acceleration
α = (τ)/(I) = (43 × 10⁵)/(39 × 10⁴) ~rad/s² = (430)/(39) ≈ 11.02 ~rad/s²Rounding off, α ≈ 11 ~rad/s².
Pattern Recognition
In compound systems, decompose into basic shapes (rod, disc). Determine the parallel distance to the required axis for each center of mass. Keep everything in CGS units since torque is given in dyne-cm.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: System of Particles and Rotational Motion