Angular and Linear Acceleration on a Wheel

In summary, a 68 cm diameter wheel accelerates uniformly from 150 rpm to 270 rpm in 4.1 s. Its angular acceleration is 3.1 rad./s^2. After 1.6 s, the radial component of the linear acceleration of a point on the edge of the wheel is 1.042066 m/s^2. The centripetal acceleration can also be calculated as ω^2r, which in this case is 7.0079916 m/s^2.
  • #1
PeachBanana
191
0

Homework Statement


A 68 cm diameter wheel accelerates uniformly about its center from 150 rpm to 270 rpm in 4.1 s.

1. Determine its angular acceleration. α = 3.1 rad./s^2

2. Determine the radial component of the linear acceleration of a point on the edge of the wheel 1.6 s after it has started accelerating.


Homework Equations



ω final = ω initial + αt
v final = v initial + at
ω * r = v

The Attempt at a Solution



1. (15.7079 rad./s) + (3.0649 rad./s^2)(1.6s)
ω = 20.61174 rad./s

(20.61174 rad./s)(0.34m) = 7.0079916 m/s (final velocity)
(15.7079 rad./s)(0.34m) = 5.340686 m/s (initial velocity)

7.0079916 m/s - 5.340686 m/s / 1.6 s = 1.042066 m/s^2
 
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  • #2
Hi PeachBanana! :smile:
PeachBanana said:
2. Determine the radial component of the linear acceleration of a point on the edge of the wheel 1.6 s after it has started accelerating.

No, I think they're asking for the centripetal acceleration (ω2r).
 
  • #3
tiny-tim: Thank you so much. That is much clearer now. The way it was worded was strange.
 

1. What is the difference between angular and linear acceleration on a wheel?

Angular acceleration refers to the rate of change of angular velocity of a wheel, while linear acceleration refers to the rate of change of linear velocity. Essentially, angular acceleration measures how fast the wheel is rotating, while linear acceleration measures how fast the wheel is moving in a straight line.

2. How are angular and linear acceleration related?

Angular and linear acceleration are related through the wheel's radius. The linear acceleration can be calculated by multiplying the angular acceleration by the radius of the wheel. This is because the linear velocity of a point on the wheel's circumference is equal to the angular velocity multiplied by the radius.

3. How do you calculate angular acceleration on a wheel?

Angular acceleration can be calculated using the formula: α = Δω / Δt, where α is the angular acceleration, Δω is the change in angular velocity, and Δt is the change in time. This formula can be used to calculate the angular acceleration at any point on the wheel.

4. What factors can affect angular and linear acceleration on a wheel?

The main factor that affects both angular and linear acceleration on a wheel is the force applied to the wheel. The magnitude and direction of the force can impact the acceleration of the wheel. Other factors that can affect acceleration include the wheel's mass, the radius of the wheel, and any external forces acting on the wheel.

5. How does friction affect angular and linear acceleration on a wheel?

Friction can have a significant impact on both angular and linear acceleration on a wheel. For example, friction between the wheel and the surface it is rolling on can slow down the wheel's linear acceleration. Similarly, friction between the wheel's axis and its bearings can affect the wheel's angular acceleration. Reducing friction can help increase the overall acceleration of the wheel.

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