Angular deceleration of a washing machine spin cycle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the angular deceleration of a washing machine during its spin cycle, specifically focusing on the transition from an initial angular velocity of 6.0 revolutions per second to a stop after 5.0 revolutions. Participants are exploring the relationships between angular acceleration, angular velocity, and the total angle of rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for multiple equations to solve for angular acceleration and time, referencing relevant equations that relate angular quantities. There is an exploration of how to determine the total angle of rotation and the implications of negative acceleration.

Discussion Status

Several equations have been identified and discussed, including those that do not involve time. Participants have noted the provided angle in revolutions and are attempting to connect the calculations for angular acceleration with the time taken to stop. There is an ongoing exploration of how to derive time from the calculated angular acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem statement, which specifies the initial angular velocity, the stopping distance in revolutions, and the requirement to find both angular acceleration and time. There is a focus on ensuring the correct interpretation of angular measurements in the context of rotational dynamics.

Zoubayr
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Homework Statement
If you lift the lid of a washing machine during the rapid
spin–dry cycle, the cycle stops (for safety), typically after 5.0
revolutions. If the clothes are spinning at 6.0 rev/s initially,
what is their constant angular acceleration during the slowing
motion? How long do they take to come to a stop?
Relevant Equations
w=w_o+αt
6.0 rev - 1 s
1 rev - 1/6
5.0 rev - (1/6) x 5 = (5/6) s = 0.833 s

I do not know how to calculate the angular acceleration
 
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Zoubayr said:
Homework Statement:: If you lift the lid of a washing machine during the rapid
spin–dry cycle, the cycle stops (for safety), typically after 5.0
revolutions. If the clothes are spinning at 6.0 rev/s initially,
what is their constant angular acceleration during the slowing
motion? How long do they take to come to a stop?
Relevant Equations:: w=w_o+αt

6.0 rev - 1 s
1 rev - 1/6
5.0 rev - (1/6) x 5 = (5/6) s = 0.833 s

I do not know how to calculate the angular acceleration
You need a second equation since you are looking to solve two unknowns, ##\alpha## and ##t##. They give you a hint by giving you the stopping distance ##\theta##.
 
There is another equation relating angular speeds, angular acceleration and total angle. That equation does not have time in it.
 
malawi_glenn said:
There is another equation relating angular speeds, angular acceleration and total angle. That equation does not have time in it.
w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ
how to know the total angle θ?
 
Zoubayr said:
w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ
how to know the total angle θ?
The angle is given. It is 5 revolutions.
 
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bob012345 said:
The angle is given. It is 5 revolutions.
so by using the formula: w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and θ being 5 we get the answer?
 
Zoubayr said:
so by using the formula: w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and θ being 5 we get the answer?
One of the answers. How do you get the time next?
 
bob012345 said:
One of the answers. How do you get the time next?
using this equation: w=w_o+αt with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and α being the value calculated from the 1st part of the question.
 
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Zoubayr said:
using this equation: w=w_o+αt with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and α being the value calculated from the 1st part of the question.
Note that the acceleration is a negative number from the first part giving the time as a positive number in the second part which is good.
 
  • #10
Zoubayr said:
and θ being 5 we get the answer?
What units do we measure angles with in the context of rotational dynamics?
 

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