Calculating Tangential Acceleration of an Astronaut in a Centrifuge

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the tangential acceleration of an astronaut in a centrifuge, which simulates rocket launch conditions. The scenario specifies the time taken to reach top speed and the distance from the axis of rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the parameters given, such as the period of rotation and radius, while noting the absence of mass as a potential issue in calculations. There is an exploration of how to derive velocity and acceleration without mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their understanding of the problem and expressing frustration over the missing mass variable. Some have attempted to outline their known values but have not reached a consensus on how to proceed without mass.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem as presented, which does not provide mass, leading to questions about how to approach the calculations effectively.

pureouchies4717
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Astronauts use a centrifuge to simulate the acceleration of a rocket launch. The centrifuge takes 40.0 s to speed up from rest to its top speed of 1 rotation every 1.30 s. The astronaut is strapped into a seat 5.60 m from the axis.What is the astronaut's tangential acceleration during the first 40.0 s?

now, i know how to find a(c) and a(t) with mass, but they don't give mass in this problem
 
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so here is what i have:

T= 1.3s
r= 5.6
tf= 40 s
 
Last edited:
if i had mass, i could just plug it into T=(mv^2)/r

v would be easy to find
 
ahhhhh 45 minutes. any help would be appreciated
 

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