9.25 a centrifuge takes up only 0.127 m of bench space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the radius of a centrifuge based on its claimed radial acceleration and rotational speed. Participants explore the relationship between radial acceleration, radius, and angular velocity, while addressing the implications of the centrifuge's claimed dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using the formula \( a_r = r\omega^2 \) to find the radius, with the assumption that the maximum radius is half the bench space, \( \frac{0.127}{2} \).
  • One participant emphasizes the need to convert the angular velocity from rpm to rad/sec for the calculations.
  • Another participant calculates the radius using the provided values and finds that the diameter exceeds the claimed bench space, suggesting that the advertisement's claim may be false.
  • There is a question regarding the conversion factor used to derive \( \frac{683\pi}{3} \) for the angular velocity, prompting further clarification from others.
  • A later reply provides a detailed breakdown of the conversion process for angular velocity, confirming the calculation of \( \frac{683\pi}{3} \) rad/sec.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to convert units and apply the correct formulas, but there is disagreement regarding the validity of the centrifuge's claimed dimensions based on the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about the maximum radius and the accuracy of the claimed specifications. The discussion includes unresolved questions about unit cancellation and the correctness of the derived values.

karush
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$\textsf{An advertisement claims that a centrifuge takes up only $0.127 m$ of bench space}$
$\textsf{but can produce a radial acceleration of $4100 \, g$ at $6830 \, rev/min$}$

$\textsf{a. Calculate the requested radius of the centrifuge}$

OK the only thing I can guess here is $\frac{0.127}{2}$ as max
 
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karush said:
$\textsf{An advertisement claims that a centrifuge takes up only $0.127 m$ of bench space}$
$\textsf{but can produce a radial acceleration of $4100 \, g$ at $6830 \, rev/min$}$

$\textsf{a. Calculate the requested radius of the centrifuge}$

OK the only thing I can guess here is $\frac{0.127}{2}$ as max

$a_r = r\omega^2 \implies r = \dfrac{a_r}{\omega^2}$

you'll need to convert $\omega$ given in rpm to rad/sec
 
skeeter said:
$a_r = r\omega^2 \implies r = \dfrac{a_r}{\omega^2}$

you'll need to convert $\omega$ given in rpm to rad/sec

$r = \dfrac{a_r}{\omega^2}\\$
$\textit {how do you cancel the units? }\\$
\begin{align}
\displaystyle
\frac{0.127 \, m}{2} &\ge \dfrac{4100 \, g}{(6830\cdot 2\pi\cdot 60)^2 \, rad/s}\\
0.0635&\ge \frac{4100 \, g}{6.629849 \, rad/s}\\
0.0635&\ge 6.184
\end{align}not!
 
Last edited:
$\dfrac{6830 \, rev}{min} \cdot \dfrac{2\pi \,rad}{rev} \cdot \dfrac{1 \min}{60 \,sec} = \dfrac{683\pi}{3} \, \dfrac{rad}{sec}$

$r = \left(4100g \, m/sec^2\right) \left(\dfrac{3}{683\pi} \, \dfrac{sec}{rad} \right)^2 \approx 0.0785 \, m$

$d = 2r \approx 0.157 \, m > 0.127 \, m$

seems their "claim" is false ...
 


$\dfrac{6830 \, rev}{min} \cdot \dfrac{2\pi \,rad}{rev} \cdot \dfrac{1 \min}{60 \,sec} = \dfrac{683\pi}{3} \, \dfrac{rad}{sec}$

where do you get

$$\dfrac{683\pi}{3}$$
 
Last edited:
$\dfrac{6830}{1} \cdot \dfrac{2\pi}{1} \cdot \dfrac{1}{60} = \dfrac{6830 \cdot 2\pi}{60} = \dfrac{6830 \cdot \pi}{30} = \dfrac{683 \cdot \pi}{3}$
 

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