Obtain $\tau = I\alpha$ from the angular momentum of a rigid body.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The total angular momentum of a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis is given by $\vec{L} = \vec{L}_{z} + \vec{L}_{\perp}$.
Differentiating with respect to time $t$:
$\frac{d\vec{L}}{dt} = \frac{d\vec{L}_{z}}{dt} + \frac{d\vec{L}_{\perp}}{dt}$.
Since the rotation is about a fixed axis,the component of angular momentum perpendicular to the axis $\vec{L}_{\perp}$ remains constant,so $\frac{d\vec{L}_{\perp}}{dt} = 0$.
The rate of change of angular momentum along the axis is equal to the external torque $\vec{\tau}$,so $\frac{d\vec{L}_{z}}{dt} = \vec{\tau}$.
Thus,$\frac{d\vec{L}}{dt} = \vec{\tau}$.
Since $\vec{L}_{z} = I\omega\hat{k}$,where $I$ is the moment of inertia and $\omega$ is the angular velocity:
$\vec{\tau} = \frac{d}{dt}(I\omega\hat{k}) = I\frac{d\omega}{dt}\hat{k}$.
Since $\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt}$,we get $\vec{\tau} = I\vec{\alpha}$.
In scalar form,this is $\tau = I\alpha$,which is the rotational analogue of Newton's second law $F = ma$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ pulley of radius $10 \ cm$ has a moment of inertia of $10^{-3} \ kg \ m^2$ about its geometric axis. $A$ time-varying tangential force $F = (0.5t - 0.3t^2) \ N$ is applied to its rim. The pulley is initially at rest. If $t$ is in seconds,what will be the angular acceleration of the pulley at $t = 3 \ s$ in $rad \ s^{-2}$?

An air compressor is powered by a $200\,rad\,s^{-1}$ electric motor using a $V-$belt drive. The motor pulley is $8\,cm$ in radius,and the tension in the $V-$belt is $135\,N$ on one side and $45\,N$ on the other. The power of the motor will be ...... $kW$.

$A$ disc of mass $10 \ kg$ and radius $0.1 \ m$ is rotating at $120 \ rpm$. $A$ retarding torque brings it to rest in $10 \ s$. If the same torque is due to a force applied tangentially on the rim of the disc, then the magnitude of the force is: (in $\pi \ N$)

$A$ slender uniform rod of mass $M$ and length $l$ is pivoted at one end so that it can rotate in a vertical plane (see figure). There is negligible friction at the pivot. The rod is released from a position where it makes an angle $\theta$ with the vertical. The angular acceleration of the rod when it makes an angle $\theta$ with the vertical is

In the following figure,$r_1 = 5\,cm$ and $r_2 = 30\,cm$. If the moment of inertia of the wheel is $1500\,kg\cdot m^2$,then its angular acceleration will be (approximately):

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo