General Planar Motion - Example Problem 6.8-3
A 12-in ruler is perfectly balanced on a man's hand as shown in the figure. The man then accelerates his hand in the x-direction at a rate of 1 ft/s2. If the acceleration remains constant, calculate the angular velocity ω of the ruler as it reaches the horizontal position just before it hits the man's arm. Assume that point O at the end of the ruler doesn't slide relative to the moving hand.
Given:
- aO = 1 ft/s2
- L = 12 in
Find: ω
Video solution:
The following video walks you through the solution to this problem. It is suggested that you try solving the problem first and then, if you have difficulties with the solution, watch the video for help.
Interactive solution:
Draw a free-body diagram of the ruler. Click on the figure to see the results.
Summing the moments about O and solving for α give which of the following equations?