Calculate Torque to Accelerate .22kg Disk to 1500rpm in 5s

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to calculate the torque required to accelerate a .22 kg disk to 1500 rpm in 5 seconds. The problem involves concepts from rotational dynamics, specifically torque, moment of inertia, and angular acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations for torque and moment of inertia, with some questioning the calculations and assumptions made by the original poster. There is a focus on confirming the time duration for the acceleration and the appropriateness of the torque value calculated.

Discussion Status

Some participants offer guidance on the correct formula for moment of inertia and suggest reconsidering the torque value based on intuitive reasoning. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the time frame for the acceleration, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's calculations may lead to an unexpectedly high torque value for a lightweight disk, prompting discussions about the physical plausibility of the results. There is also mention of unit conversion for better intuitive understanding.

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A .22kg , .22-m-diameter plastic disk is spun on an axle through its center by an electric motor. What torque must the motor supply to take the disk from 0 to 1500 rpm in 5.00 ?

I used the equations
T(thau)=alpha/I
w_f=w_i + alpha*(t_f - t_i)
I found I to be equal to .021kgm^2
then found w_f for the first .5s to be:
(1500rev/1min) * (1min/60s) *(2pi/1rev) = 157.08rad/s
157.08=0+alpha*(.5s)
alpha = 31.42rad/s^2
T= 31.42/.021 = 1496.2Nm

Am not totally sure of my calculations. I will greatly appreciate any help
 
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I haven't done this in a very long time, but isn't [tex]\tau=I\alpha[/tex]

And [tex]I=mr^2[/tex]

Also, is the time 5 seconds? or 0.5 seconds?

P.S.

You might want to convert your answer into foot pounds and think about the problem intuitively. Is it really going to take over 1000 ft/lbs of torque to spin a little lightweight plastic disk to 1500 rpm?
 
Last edited:
NeutronStar said:
I haven't done this in a very long time, but isn't [tex]\tau=I\alpha[/tex]

And [tex]I=mr^2[/tex]

Also, is the time 5 seconds? or 0.5 seconds?

P.S.

You might want to convert your answer into foot pounds and think about the problem intuitively. Is it really going to take over 1000 ft/lbs of torque to spin a little lightweight plastic disk to 1500 rpm?


Yes, you are right [tex]\tau=I\alpha[/tex]
However, i believe [tex]I=(1/2)mr^2[/tex]
Also, it is 5seconds not .5s. I made a mistake
Am supposed to give my answer in Nm
 
Last edited:
guru said:
Yes, you are right [tex]\tau=I\alpha[/tex]
However, i believe [tex]I=(1/2)mr^2[/tex]
Also, it is 5seconds not .5s. I made a mistake
Am supposed to give my answer in Nm

You're right about the moment of inertia for a solid disk.

It would be [tex]I=(1/2)mr^2[/tex] for a solid disk.

I was thinking of a pendulum because I work with clocks a lot. :biggrin:

I didn't mean for you to turn your answer in in units of ft-lbs. I simply meant to convert it to ft-lbs to think about it intuitively to check whether or not the answer makes sense. Although that's because I identify with ft-lbs easier. Maybe Nm work better for you intuitively.

I just thought that your answer is an aweful lot of torque to spin such a small lightweight disk to 1500 rpm (even in a half a second). But if you have 5 seconds to get it spinning 1500 rpm it shouldn't take much torque at all. I would expect a very low amount of torque to be required. That's just my intuitive guess.
 
Heres the proper way to compute this answer:

Torque = Moment of Inertia * Angular Acceleration.
Moment of Inertia = 1/2 * MR^2. (For a disk)
Angular Acceleration = change in omega / change in time.

*Make sure you understand this. If not, please reply or PM me.

Physics is Phun

**Sorry about posting in an older thread, but as many students find, mastering physics repeats its questions so I am sure we will have students searching through the forums.
 

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