Question 8: A thin circular ring of mass M and radius R is rotating about its axis with a constant angular velocity ω. Two objects of mass ‘m’ are attached gently to the ring. The wheel now rotates with an angular velocity.
\[ \frac{\omega M }{(M+m)} \]
\[ \frac{\omega(M-2m)}{(M+ 2m)}\]
\[ \frac{\omega M}{M+2m}\]
\[ \frac{\omega (M+2m)}{M}\]
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Solution:
We can solve this problem using the principle of conservation of angular momentum since no external torque acts on the system.
Step 1: Initial Angular Momentum
The moment of inertia of a thin circular ring about its axis is:
The initial angular momentum is given by:
Step 2: Final Moment of Inertia
When two objects of mass m are attached to the ring, assuming they are symmetrically placed on the ring, their contribution to the moment of inertia is:
Thus, the new total moment of inertia becomes:
Step 3: Applying Conservation of Angular Momentum
Since no external torque acts on the system:
Canceling
from both sides:
Solving for the new angular velocity
:
Final Answer:
This shows that the angular velocity decreases after attaching the masses, as expected due to an increase in the moment of inertia.
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