Radial component of linear acceleration

AI Thread Summary
A 66-cm-diameter wheel accelerates uniformly from 120 rpm to 260 rpm in 4.9 seconds, leading to calculations of angular acceleration (α) at 3.0 rad/s² and tangential acceleration (a_t) at 0.99 m/s². The user struggles to find the radial component of acceleration (a_r) using Pythagorean theorem, indicating a misunderstanding of the relationship between linear and angular motion. The discussion highlights the importance of using the correct formulas, specifically a = ω²r for radial acceleration. Ultimately, the user faced a deadline and received an unexpected answer of 110 m/s, indicating confusion in the calculations.
Hotsuma
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Homework Statement



A 66-cm-diameter wheel accelerates uniformly about its center from 120 rpm to 260 rpm rpm in 4.9 s.

Homework Equations



a_t = r\alpha
a_c= r\omega^2
a= a_r+a_t

The Attempt at a Solution



I have discovered that:
\alpha = 3.0 \frac{rad}{s^2}
and
a_t = 0.99/frac{m}{s^2}

I have tried using Pythagoras's theorem to solve for a_r, but that value does not work. What am I doing wrong?
 
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Oh, and I am using Mastering Physics and only have one submission left, so I had better make it count!
 
Anyone have an idea for this one?
 
Hotsuma said:

Homework Statement



A 66-cm-diameter wheel accelerates uniformly about its center from 120 rpm to 260 rpm rpm in 4.9 s.

What is the question?

Have you considered the rotational analogues to linear kinematic motion?

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mi.html#rlin
 
it asks for the radial component of acceleration
 
Hotsuma said:
it asks for the radial component of acceleration

At what point?

a = ω²r

So that means it is simply ω dependent.

Are you sure they don't want α - angular acceleration?
 
Well I've tried that and that value didn't work. The time limit is over I took a hit on that one. The answer they resulted in was 110 m/s. Whoa.
 
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