text: # Homework Help: Moment of inertia and angular velocity of a uniform disk
  
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  1. Nov 22, 2014
  
  ### Sara583
  
  1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
  
  Two particles, each of mass m, are attached one to each end of a diameter PQ of a uniform circular disk, of mass 4m, radius a with its centre at O. The system is free to rotate about a horizontal axis through A, a point on PQ such that OA = b as indicated in the diagram below. The system is released from rest when PQ is horizontal.
  
  Determine the Moment of Inertia of the system about the axis A, in terms of integer constants, a , b and m.
  Determine the angular velocity of the disk plus masses when PQ is vertical. Enter your answer in terms of integer constants, a, b and the acceleration due to gravity g.
  
  2. Relevant equations
  I=ma^2
  parallel axis equation I=Icentre of mass + md^2
  
  3. The attempt at a solution
  I already calculated the moment of inertia using the parallel axis theorem, which gave me 4ma^2+6mb^2, but now I'm not entirely sure how to relate the acceleration to the moment of inertia to find the angular velocity. Any suggestions very welcome.
  
  Thanks
  
  2. Nov 22, 2014
  
  ### Simon Bridge
  
  Welcome to PF;
  Hint: describe what sort of motion you expect.
  
  Last edited: Nov 22, 2014
  3. Nov 22, 2014
  
  ### haruspex
  
  I don't see a diagram, and the description does not make clear whether the disk starts in a vertical plane or in a horizontal plane.
  Whichever interpretation I use, I don't get that formula. Please post your working.
  
  4. Nov 23, 2014
  
  ### Sara583
  
  here is the diagram for the problem:
  My working for part a was)
  parallel axis theorem: Icentre of mass + md^2
  d= b , total mass = 6m
  (ma^2 + ma^2+ 1/2(4m)a^2)+ 6m(b)^2
  2ma^2+2ma^2+6mb^2
  4ma^2+6mb^2
  Hopefully it makes more sense with the diagram now. The program has marked my answer has correct so I assumed I hadn't misapplied the above theorem but if I have, please tell me.
  
  #### Attached Files:
  
  • ###### moment of inertia dia.png
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  5. Nov 23, 2014
  
  ### haruspex
  
  Ah yes, my mistake.
  So have you done the whole question now, or are you still stuck on the second part? Did you try conservation of energy as Simon suggested?
  
  6. Nov 23, 2014
  
  ### Sara583
  
  I know that K = 1/2 Iω^2 but I'm still a bit unsure how to calculate the total energy beforehand. Am I missing something?
  
  7. Nov 23, 2014
  
  ### haruspex
  
  The gain in KE has come from a loss of energy somewhere else. What is the nature of that loss and how can you calculate it?
  
  8. Nov 24, 2014
  
  ### Sara583
  
  Thank you very much!! I did manage to solve it in the end using your hints about energy loss.