Caculating velocity on a different points on a rim of a wheel- AGAIN

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a motorcycle accelerating from rest with a constant acceleration, focusing on the velocities and accelerations of points on the rim of its front wheel after a specified time. Participants are exploring the relationship between linear and rotational motion in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the velocities of points A, B, and C on the wheel's rim, considering both linear and rotational aspects of motion. There are attempts to derive equations for velocity and acceleration, with some participants questioning the necessity of knowing the radius of the wheel.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue about the correctness of calculations and the implications of neglecting centripetal acceleration. Some participants suggest that the radius may not be necessary for finding velocities, while others express uncertainty about how to incorporate it into acceleration calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not provide the radius of the wheel, leading to discussions about whether it can be assumed or approximated based on typical values for motorcycle tires.

mmoadi
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Homework Statement



Motorcycle is accelerating from the rest with a constant acceleration a = 2 m/s². We are observing its front wheel (see picture) after a time t = 10 s. This wheel is not slipping while accelerating. How much are velocities of points A, B, and C on rim of wheel? How much are the accelerations of these points?

My first attempt of solving the problem:

v= v0 + at

A: v = v0 + at → v= -20 m/s
B: v= sqrt(vA² + vB²) → 28.3 m/s
C: v= v0 + at → v= 20 m/s

This is the question I submitted yesterday. And after getting some useful hints:

Quotes:
Doc Al said: "Hint: Find the velocity of the center of the wheel with respect to the ground, the velocity of the rim with respect to the center, then the velocity of each part of the rim with respect to the ground."
Thank you!

and

turin said: "There is a rotational part that you seem to be neglecting, and when you include it, you may be quite surprised, especially about point C. Also, don't forget that the problem asks for the accelerations, too."
Thank you!

I did some research and this is what I found out:

1. A wheel rolling over a surface has both a linear and a rotational velocity.
2. The linear velocity of any point on the rim of the wheel is given by vcm= ωr.
3. Every point on the rotating object has the same angular speed.
4. Because when the wheel is in contact with the ground, its bottom part is at rest with respect to the ground, the wheel experiences a linear motion with a velocity equal to + vcm besides a rotational motion (picture).
5. Conclusion: the top of the wheel moves twice as fast as the center and the bottom of the wheel does not move at all.

Relevant equations:

Angular speed:ω= Θ / t
Angular acceleration:α= ω / t
Tangential speed: vt= rω
Tangential acceleration: at= rα

The only problem now is:How to calculate radius r?

I would really like to solve this problem. Thank you for helping!
 

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OK, I think I got it.
It's a linear acceleration problem so I will simply put the rotational formulas aside.

v= v_i + at where v_i = 0
So, v= 2 m/s² * 10 s= 20 m/s

For point A: v_gr= 2v= 40 m/s → a= 4 m/s²
For point B: v_gr= √2 v= 28.28 m/s → a= 2.83 m/s²
For point C: v_gr= 0 m/s → a= 0 m/s²

And I really really hope it's a correct answer!
 
mmoadi said:
… The only problem now is:How to calculate radius r?

Hi mmoadi! :smile:

You don't need to know r.

Just leave r as r … you'll find it disappears at the end (except for αr, which you know is 2 m/s2). :wink:
 
Can you take a look at my above calculations? Are they correct?
 
mmoadi said:
Can you take a look at my above calculations? Are they correct?

(ooh, i didn't see them :redface: …)

[STRIKE]A and C are correct (though you could have got them just from (aA + aC)/2 = acom :wink:)[/STRIKE]

For B …
For point B: v_gr= √2 v= 28.28 m/s → a= 2.83 m/s²

how did you get that (v is right, but I don't think a is)?

EDIT: Changed my mind … see below.​
 
Last edited:
I just calculated a= v_gr / t = (28.28 m/s) / 10 s= 2.83 m/s²
 
This is how I concluded how to calculate the velocity in respect to the ground.
 

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tiny-tim said:
A and C are correct (though you could have got them just from (aA + aC)/2 = acom :wink:)

(i can't see your new picture yet)

On second thoughts, I don't think those accelerations are right, after all (though the velocities certainly are) …

they don't take the centripetal acceleration into account, and I don't see how you can find that without knowing r (as you originally mentioned) :confused:
 
So, any suggestion how can I find R?
 
  • #10
mmoadi said:
So, any suggestion how can I find R?

No … if the question doesn't give you R, you can solve for the velocities, but not I think for the accelerations. :redface:
 
  • #11
So, there is no way to calculate r from the quantities given?
 
  • #12
I can't see any. :redface:
 
  • #13
Thank you very much for all the patience and help!

Is it possible to imply for r just an average radius for a motorcycle tire and solve the problem to the end?
 
Last edited:

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