Angular Distance & Arc Distance: Homework Solution

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In summary, the driver of a boat traveling at a uniform speed of 12.5m/s in a circle with a diameter of 115m for 4 minutes will cover an angular distance of 3000m and an arc distance of 20,763m. The key is to use the angular velocity instead of the instantaneous velocity when dealing with circular motion.
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Kikki:)
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Homework Statement


The driver of a boat sets the throttle and ties the wheel, making the boat travel at a uniform speed of 12.5m/s in a circle with a diameter of 115m. Through what angular distance does the boat move in 4.00 minutes? What arc distance (in meters) does it travel in this time?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The diameter is 115m, radius is 57.5m, time is 4 min.

But noww is the average velocity 12.5m/s or is 12.5m/s final speed? I know that it is going at constant speed and it does have acceleration. So we take 12.5m/s x 240sec = 3,000m But for the arc distance you take the radius of 57.5 x 2pi(57.5) = 20,763m?
 
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  • #2
You are trying to use the instantaneous velocity as if it were an angular quantity.

When working with speeds of things rotating or traveling in circles, what you want is the angular velocity \omega.
So find out how to find what the angular velocity is given the instantaneous velocity.
 
  • #3
Ohh so their somewhat the same just use it differently. Much thanks! :]
 

1. What is the difference between angular distance and arc distance?

Angular distance is the measurement of the angle between two points on a circle, while arc distance is the length of the curve between those two points. In other words, angular distance is an angle measurement, while arc distance is a linear measurement.

2. How do you calculate angular distance?

To calculate angular distance, you first need to know the radius of the circle and the length of the arc. Then, you can use the formula: angular distance = arc length / radius. This will give you the angle measurement in radians.

3. Can angular distance be measured in degrees?

Yes, angular distance can be measured in both radians and degrees. However, radians are the preferred unit of measurement for angular distance in most mathematical and scientific applications.

4. How is arc distance related to circumference?

Arc distance is directly related to the circumference of a circle. The circumference is equal to 2π times the radius, or C = 2πr. Therefore, the arc distance is equal to the circumference multiplied by the fraction of the circle represented by the arc.

5. How can I convert arc distance to linear distance?

To convert arc distance to linear distance, you need to know the angle measurement in radians and the radius of the circle. Then, you can use the formula: linear distance = radius x angle in radians. This will give you the length of the arc in linear units, such as meters or centimeters.

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