Calculating Rotational Acceleration of a Wheel

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the constant angular acceleration of a wheel that rotates through 37.0 revolutions in 3.05 seconds, ending with an angular speed of 97.1 rad/s. The incorrect initial calculation of angular acceleration was derived by dividing the final angular speed by time, yielding 31.84 rad/s². Participants clarified that the correct approach involves using the formula for angular acceleration, which incorporates both initial and final angular speeds along with time. The discussion also touches on the acceleration of a racing car on a circular track, emphasizing the distinction between linear and angular acceleration.

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  • Ability to apply kinematic equations for rotational motion
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  • Study the formula for angular acceleration: α = (ω_f - ω_i) / t
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Homework Statement


A rotating wheel requires 3.05 s to rotate through 37.0 revolutions. Its angular speed at the end of the 3.05 s interval is 97.1 rad/s. What is the constant angular acceleration of the wheel?

Homework Equations


Well from basic calculus I know that acceleration is equal to (dV/dT) or the derivative of velocity over derivative of time.

That is the only pertinent equation I can think of for this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the velocity, 97.1 rad/s, and divided it by the time, 3.05s.

(97.1/3.05)= 31.84 rad/s^2

According to the online homework this is incorrect. I cannot think of any other way to calculate it since the radius is not given.

Homework Statement



A racing car travels on a circular track of radius 230 m. Suppose the car moves with a constant linear speed of 53.0 m/s.

(b) Find the magnitude and direction of its acceleration.

Part (a) had me calculate the velocity which came out to 0.23 rad/s. The velocity is correct.

Homework Equations


a= linear acceleration
A=rotational acceleration
R=radius

A=a/R

circumference = 2piR

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured since it says a constant linear acceleration then the angular acceleration=0 because A=(0)/(230) = 0. This answer is incorrect according to the online homework. I'm not sure what else to do.
 
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