Bicycle Wheel Radius Calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the radius of a bicycle wheel given its angular acceleration of 1.4 rad/s² and a tangential acceleration of 49 cm/s². The correct formula to use is ac = r * a, where ac represents the tangential acceleration and a represents the angular acceleration. The initial calculation of the radius resulted in an incorrect value of 2.8571 m, indicating a misunderstanding of the relationship between the variables involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular acceleration and tangential acceleration
  • Familiarity with the formula ac = r * a
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversions (cm/s² to m/s²)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the relationship between angular and tangential acceleration
  • Practice unit conversions, particularly from centimeters to meters
  • Explore examples of rotational motion calculations
  • Learn about the implications of radius in circular motion dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics, and anyone needing to apply angular motion concepts in practical scenarios.

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Homework Statement


A bicycle wheel has an angular acceleration of 1.4 rad/s^2. If a point on its rim has a tangential acceleration of 49 cm/s^2, what is the radius of the wheel?
Answer in units of m.


Homework Equations



ac=r*a

The Attempt at a Solution



49 cm/s^2=.49m/s^2
r=ac/a=2.8571

But the answer is wrong, where did I mess up?
 
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Just to make things clear, what is ac and what is a?

ehild
 

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