Rotational Kinematics Help (constant angular acceleration)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total number of revolutions a washer tub makes during its spin cycle, characterized by constant angular acceleration. Initially, the tub accelerates from rest to 5 revolutions per second over 8 seconds, resulting in an angular displacement of 125.66 radians, which equates to approximately 20.0 revolutions. Subsequently, the tub decelerates to rest over 12 seconds, yielding an additional angular displacement of 566.8 radians, or about 90.2 revolutions. The final total is 110.2 revolutions, correcting earlier miscalculations regarding angular displacement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational kinematics principles
  • Familiarity with angular velocity and acceleration calculations
  • Knowledge of converting between radians and revolutions
  • Proficiency in using kinematic equations for rotational motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations of motion for rotational dynamics
  • Learn about angular displacement and its relationship with angular velocity
  • Explore the concept of constant angular acceleration in depth
  • Practice problems involving conversions between radians and revolutions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding rotational motion and kinematics.

sirfederation
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
The Tub of a washer goes into a spin cycle, starting from rest and gaining angular speed steadily for 8 s, when it is turning at 5 rev/s. At this point the person doing the laundry opens the lid, and a safety switch turns off the washer. The tub smoothly slows to rest in 12s. Through how many revolutions does the Tub turn while it is in motion?

Ok, I am going to do this problem in 2 stages: One for Wi[/size] =0 and Wf[/size]=5 rev/s and the second for Wi[/size]=5rev/s and W[size=.5]f[/size]=0

First stage:

Known
Wi[/size]=0
Wf[/size]=5 rev/s
T=0
T=8s
Oi[/size]=0

Unknown
A=?
Of[/size]=?
Wf[/size]= (5 rev/s)(2(pi)rad/rev)
Wf[/size]= 10(pi) rad or 31.4 rad

A = (Wf[/size]-Wi[/size])/T
A = 31.4/8
A = 3.9 rad/(s^2)

Of[/size]=Oi[/size]+(Wi[/size](T)+.5(A)(T)^2
Of[/size]= 0 + (10)(pi)(8) + .5(3.9)(8)^2
Of[/size]= 80(pi) + 40(pi)
Of[/size]= 377 rad (I am going to leave it in this form because I am going to have to plug it into stage two.

Stage two:

Known
Wf[/size]= 0
Wi[/size]= 5 rev/s or 10(pi) rad/s
Oi[/size]= 377 rad (found in stage one)
T=12 s

Unkown
A=?
Of[/size]=?

A = (Wf[/size]-Wi[/size])/T
A = (0-31.4)/12
A = -2.6 rad/s^2

Of[/size]=Oi[/size]+(Wi[/size])(T)+.5(A)(T)^2
Of[/size]= 377 + 31.4(12) + .5(-2.6)(12)^2
Of[/size]= 377 + 376.8 - 187.2
Of[/size]=566.8 rad

Now we need to convert to revolutions:
566.8 rad(57.3/rad)= 32477.64 degrees

32477.64/(360/rev) = 90. 2 rev

Ok here is what I do not get.

My revolutions for the washer when its acceleration is increasing in stage one is slower than the revolutions when the acceleration is decreasing in stage two. I think I am correct but it doesn't make sense.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Ok, I redid this problem a couple of times and came up with a different answer. I forgot to set wi to zero in the equation Of[/size] = 0i[/size] + Wi[/size](T)+.5(A)(T^2) in stage one. So Of[/size]=125.66 rad which changes the final answer to 50.2 revolutions
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K