In this problem, you will practice applying this formula to several situations i

Question

In this problem, you will practice applying this formula to several situations involving angular acceleration. In all of these situations, two objects of masses m1 and m2 are attached to a seesaw. The seesaw is made of a bar that has length l and is pivoted so that it is free to rotate in the vertical plane without friction. Assume that the pivot is attached tot he center of the bar. You are to find the angular acceleration of the seesaw when it is set in motion from the horizontal position. In all cases, assume that m1>m2.

Now consider a similar situation, except that now the swing bar itself has mass mbar.(Figure 2)

Find the magnitude of the angular acceleration ? of the seesaw.

Express your answer in terms of some or all of the quantities m1, m2, mbar, l, as well as the acceleration due to gravity g.

Explanation / Answer

a = T/I, where T = torque and I = moment of inertia

A)

T = m1*g*L/2 - m2*g*L/2 = L/2*9*(m1 - m2)
I = m1*(L/2)

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