Angular velocity lab experiment

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a lab experiment where weights were dropped through a sensor system to measure the time taken for the weights to pass two points. The goal is to calculate angular velocity using the recorded time, the diameter of the pulley, and other parameters. The relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity is highlighted, emphasizing that angular velocity (omega) can be derived from linear velocity (v) divided by the radius (r). The participant seeks clarification on converting time to angular velocity in radians per second. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment of the equations involved, indicating a newfound clarity on the topic.
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Homework Statement


Hi guys,

We did a lab experiment in school, where we attached some weights to a hanger, and attached this to a pulley, for each weight attached, we dropped the weight hanger and recorded the time taken for the weight to pass through a sensor, this sensor system made use of 2 triggers and a light beam etc, so the sensor was triggered as the weight passed through a certain point, then the sensor stopped as the weight passed through the 2nd point. The distance between these 2 points is known, so Time could be recorded.

From the time reading for the weight to pass through the sensor part, I am trying to find angular velocity. I have diameter of the pulley, airspeed, etc...

Angular shaft velocity has to be in rad/s so do I just convert time to rad/s? by finding 1/T then divide by 2pi?
 
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Angular velocity relates to linear velocity (of a point moving on a circle) in the same way angle relates to arclength.

s = r theta
v = r omega where omega is the angular velocity.
v/r = omega, where v is distance over time.

Note that v is in say cm/sec and r is in cm so you get units of "per second" for omega.
The "radian" unit is really a unitless number. When tracking units you can always add or remove radian units.
 
Thanks for your quick reply,

Those equations completely slipped my mind lol,

I kept over complicating it before,


thanks again,

carl
 
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