A \(3.0-\mathrm{kg}\) rod that is \(1.5 \mathrm{~m}\) long is free to rotate in a vertical plane about an axle that runs through the rod's center, is perpendicular to the rod's length, and runs parallel to the floor. A 1.0-kg block is attached to one end of the rod, and a \(2.0-\mathrm{kg}\) block is attached to the other end. At some instant, the rod makes an angle of \(30^{\circ}\) with the horizontal so that the blocks are in the positions shown in Figure P12.84.

(a) Determine the torque caused by the forces exerted on the system at this instant.

(b) Determine the rotational acceleration of the system at this instant. Ignore friction and assume the blocks are small enough that any length they add to the rod can be ignored.

Data from Figure P12.84

Transcribed Image Text:

Figure P12.84 1.5 m- 30 pivot 3.0 kg 1.0 kg 2.0 kg