Calculate rpm with circular motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rotation speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) for a hypothetical donut-shaped space station designed to simulate gravity. The problem involves concepts from circular motion and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration, with one participant attempting to derive the speed needed for the desired artificial gravity. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of variables and the correctness of the calculations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the conversion of linear speed to angular velocity and the importance of ensuring consistent units in calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are questioning the relevance of certain terms and the assumptions made regarding acceleration values. There is a focus on ensuring that the acceleration used in calculations aligns with the intended gravitational simulation.

Workout
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Homework Statement


Imagine that NASA plans to builds a large donut-shaped space station. The station will rotate in outer space in order to simulate gravity. If the station has a radius of 200m, what must be its rotation speed in revolutions per minute, to produce an artificial gravity of 0.8 g?


Homework Equations


ac=v^2/r
rev/min = 60v/2pi*r




The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I have somewhere in my notes that if ac = g then T = 0. So I replaced ac with 0.8. So my equation went 0.8 = v^2/(200m).

So I got my v = 12.65 m/s.

Then I plugged my v into rev/min at 60(v)/2pi*r and I got my answer to be 0.604 rev/min.


I was just wondering if I did this right?
 
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Workout said:
Okay, so I have somewhere in my notes that if ac = g then T = 0.
What does T refer to here? Is that relevant to the space station?
So I replaced ac with 0.8.
0.8 what?
So my equation went 0.8 = v^2/(200m).

So I got my v = 12.65 m/s.

Then I plugged my v into rev/min at 60(v)/2pi*r and I got my answer to be 0.604 rev/min.

I was just wondering if I did this right?
... well, if you look at your calculation, checking the units, v=12.65m/s means a=0.8m/s2.
Is that the correct acceleration?
 
How do I solve for rpm? I think my v is correct.
 
Well, since you are sure you have the correct v...
You can either convert your v into angular velocity or work out the circumference of your circle and how many times you'd travel that distance at speed v in one minute.

However, if you don't answer questions I cannot help you.
i.e. is 0.8g, the acceleration you are asked to get, the same as 0.8m/s2 - which is the acceleration you used to get v?
 

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