Force required to push wheel (not torque)

In summary: By work-energy theorem, the net work done by forces equals the change in kinetic energy of the system. In summary, the force required to push the wheel is 1.14 * 10^-3 N, which is a more reasonable value than the initial calculation of 114.8 N. This error was due to a miscalculation of torque, which was corrected to be 5.7*10^-5 Nm instead of 5.7 Nm.
  • #1
Aerstz
36
0

Homework Statement



How much force is required to push a wheel of radius 50 mm and moment of inertia 3.21*10^-4 kgm^2 to 20 mph in 5 seconds? The wheel has a mass of 0.29 kg.

The wheel is to be pushed straight and level at its axel 90 degrees to the horizontal.

Homework Equations



T = Ia = 5.74 Nm

F = T/r

The Attempt at a Solution



F = T/r = 5.74/0.05 = 114.8 N

My answer can't be correct because 114.8 N seems far too much force required to accelerate a 50 mm radius wheel to 20 mph in 5 s. That is less force required to push the 200 kg vehicle it supports, and there are another three wheels!
 
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  • #2
Never mind, I found my error. I failed to include the negative power value when calculating torque. Torque is 5.7*10^-5, not 5.7! Therefore the force required to push the wheel is just 1.14 * 10^-3 N, which makes much more sense.

Feel free to delete this thread.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Aerstz said:

Homework Statement



How much force is required to push a wheel of radius 50 mm and moment of inertia 3.21*10^-4 kgm^2 to 20 mph in 5 seconds? The wheel has a mass of 0.29 kg.

The wheel is to be pushed straight and level at its axel 90 degrees to the horizontal.

Homework Equations



T = Ia = 5.74 Nm

F = T/r

The Attempt at a Solution



F = T/r = 5.74/0.05 = 114.8 N

My answer can't be correct because 114.8 N seems far too much force required to accelerate a 50 mm radius wheel to 20 mph in 5 s. That is less force required to push the 200 kg vehicle it supports, and there are another three wheels!

work done by force = acquired linear + rotational kinetic energies.
 

What is the difference between force and torque?

The force required to push a wheel is a linear force applied in a straight line, while torque is a rotational force applied at a certain distance from the center of rotation. In other words, force is a push or pull that moves an object in a straight line, while torque is a twisting force that causes an object to rotate.

How is the force required to push a wheel calculated?

The force required to push a wheel is calculated using the formula F = ma, where F is the force in Newtons, m is the mass of the object in kilograms, and a is the acceleration in meters per second squared. This formula assumes that the wheel is being pushed in a straight line with no resistance or friction.

What factors affect the force required to push a wheel?

The force required to push a wheel can be affected by several factors, including the weight and size of the wheel, the surface it is being pushed on, and any resistance or friction present. The force required may also vary depending on the direction and angle at which the wheel is being pushed.

How does the force required to push a wheel change if the wheel is on an incline?

If the wheel is on an incline, the force required to push it will be greater than if it were on a flat surface. This is due to the force of gravity pulling the wheel down the incline, creating a resistance force that must be overcome. The steeper the incline, the more force will be required to push the wheel.

Can the force required to push a wheel be reduced?

Yes, the force required to push a wheel can be reduced by decreasing the weight or size of the wheel, using a smoother or more slippery surface, or by using mechanical aids such as wheels, gears, or levers. Reducing friction between the wheel and the surface it is being pushed on can also help to decrease the force required.

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