Physics Hwk Problem: Centripetal Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the ratio of centripetal accelerations for a ceiling fan operating at two different angular speeds. The subject area is centripetal acceleration in the context of rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for centripetal acceleration and its relation to angular speed. There is a question regarding the radius of the fan blade, which is noted to remain constant across different speed settings.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the necessary formulas and clarifying the role of the radius in the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formula for centripetal acceleration, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the solution.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the radius being constant, which may influence the calculations for centripetal acceleration at different angular speeds.

shawonna23
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A ceiling fan has two different angular speed settings: w1 = 485 rev/min and w2 = 120 rev/min. What is the ratio (a1/a2) of the centripetal accelerations of a given point on a fan blade?

How would I go about solving this problem?
 
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What's the formula for centripetal acceleration? Hint: Find the formula for centripetal acceleration in terms of angular speed ([itex]\omega[/itex]).
 
Physics hwk problem: Centripetal Acceleration

I used the equation: w^2=a/r. I found the angular speed, but i don't know what the radius is.
 
The radius will not change between the two speed settings.
 

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