Assignment:
A thin rod of length h and mass M is held vertically with its lower end resting on a frictionless horizontal surface. The rod is then released to fall freely. Determine the speed of its center of mass just before it hits the horizontal surface. Use h, M, and g for length, mass, and gravitational acceleration respectively.
What If? Now suppose the rod has a fixed pivot at its lower end. Determine the speed of the rod's center of mass just before it hits the surface. Use h, M, and g for length, mass, and gravitational acceleration respectively.