Kinetic energy of a rotating wheel?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the kinetic energy of a rotating wheel, specifically a solid cylinder, using given parameters such as mass, radius, number of revolutions, and time. Participants are exploring the relationship between these variables and the appropriate formulas for rotational kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to express kinetic energy in terms of the provided variables and are discussing the formula for rotational kinetic energy. Questions about the correct expression for angular velocity and the moment of inertia for a solid cylinder are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the correct formulas and converting units, while others are still grappling with the formulation of angular velocity and moment of inertia. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, and there is no explicit consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential confusion regarding the moment of inertia for different shapes and the need to convert revolutions to radians for angular velocity. Participants are also noting the importance of correctly applying the formulas based on the shape of the wheel.

badman
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A simple wheel has the form of a solid cylinder of radius r with a mass m uniformly distributed throughout its volume. The wheel is pivoted on a stationary axle through the axis of the cylinder and rotates about the axle at a constant angular speed. The wheel rotates n full revolutions in a time interval .
Express your answer in terms of m, r , n ,t and, pi .

does anyone have any pointers for me?

i do know that this formula, 1/2mr^2 can help me, but i don't know how create the right equation using the other arts given to me.
 
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Rotational kinetic energy is given by

[tex]KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2[/tex].

Just write everything in terms of the variables you've been given.
 
Last edited:
this is my answer so far, but I am having a problem with the angular of velocity
1/2*m*r^2*((2*PI)/n*t)^2. can anyone point me in the right direction
 
It should have [tex]\frac{1}{4}[/tex] at the front, because you have [tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}mr^2[/tex].

In your angular velocity, your n should be in the numerator of the fraction.
 
badman said:
this is my answer so far, but I am having a problem with the angular of velocity
1/2*m*r^2*((2*PI)/n*t)^2. can anyone point me in the right direction
Two problems with your answer.

You're using moment of inertia for a ring, not a solid wheel of uniform density. Technically, moment of inertia is:

[tex]I = \int_0^m r^2 dm[/tex]

Unless you have to solve the integrals, it's usually easier to look up the solution. Moment of inertia of several shapes are at Eric Weisstein's World of Physics (you need to scroll down a little to see the formulas)

Your angular velocity is measured in radians per second. You were given n revolutions in t seconds. Convert the revolutions per second:

[tex]\frac{n_- revs}{t_- sec} * \frac{2 \pi_- rad}{1_- rev} = \omega[/tex]
 

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