FYKOS Year 31 Series 3 Problem 4 — dropped pen · FYKOS 31 #31.3.4
Physics · mechanics
Problem
We drop a pen (rigid stick) on a table so that it makes an angle α with horizontal plane during its fall. Calculate the velocity of the higher end during its impact. When we dropped the pen, its center of mass was at height h. All collisions are inelastic and friction between the table and the end of the pen large enough.
Bonus: Calculate the angle α so that the velocity (of the second end that touches the table) is maximal. For which height h is it worth to tilt the pen?