Angular speed, acceleration, and angle of a Ferris wheel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the angular speed, acceleration, and angle of a Ferris wheel, focusing on the calculations related to angular motion over a specified time period.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of angular acceleration and the total angle of rotation over time. Questions arise regarding the assumption of constant angular acceleration and the integration process used to find the total angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the values calculated for angular acceleration and the time taken for the wheel to complete a rotation. There is a recognition of differing interpretations of the equations used, and guidance is offered regarding the integration limits and the nature of angular acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential missing contributions in the integration process and question the assumption of constant angular acceleration in the context of the problem.

ac7597
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Homework Statement
The county fair features a big Ferris Wheel of radius R=8 m. The drive mechanism is designed to accelerate the wheel from rest to a maximum angular speed ω=1.3 radians per second in a gradual manner: the angular speed at any time t is given by:

ω(t)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−t/τ) )
where t is the time in seconds since the ride started,
and τ=22 seconds is the so-called "time constant" of the ride; it indicates roughly the time it takes for the ride to change its speed significantly.

What is the angular speed ω of the Ferris Wheel at time t=10 seconds after it has started from rest?

What is the angular acceleration at time t=10 seconds?

What is the total angle by which the wheel rotates over this period of t=10 seconds?

How long does it take the wheel to complete its first revolution as it starts from rest?
Relevant Equations
ω(t)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−t/τ) )
ω(10)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−10/22) )= 0.475 rad/s

0.475 rad/s=0 +α(10second)
α=0.0475 rad/s^2

∫ω(t)=Θ =1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) | (t=10s, t=0)
total angle by which the wheel rotates over this period of t=10 seconds = 2.55 rad

Θ= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22)
0=1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) - 2(pi)(8m)
t=34 seconds
 
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angular acceleration is not 0.0475 rad/s^2. Also the time is not 34 second. I don't know why
 
ac7597 said:
angular acceleration is not 0.0475 rad/s^2.
In finding the angular acceleration, you used an equation for constant angular acceleration. Is the angular acceleration constant in this problem?

Also the time is not 34 second. I don't know why
Did you forget the contribution from the lower limit (t = 0) when integrating ω(t) to find θ?
 
d(ω(t))=α(t)= 1.3e^(−t/22) /22
α(10)= 1.3e^(−10/22) /22=37.5E-3 rad/s^2
 
Θ= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) |(t, t=0)
2(pi)= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(1.3(0) + 28.6e^(-0/22))
2(pi)= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(28.6)
0= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(28.6)- 2(pi)
t=16.4 seconds
 

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