Calculating the speed of an object

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nal101
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Speed
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of an object on a merry-go-round with a radius of 11 meters, completing one full rotation in 15 seconds. The circumference is calculated using the formula C = 2πr, resulting in a distance of approximately 69.08 meters for one trip. The user mistakenly multiplied the distance by 2, leading to an incorrect speed calculation. The correct approach involves using the formula v = C / T, where T is the time period of 15 seconds, yielding a speed of approximately 4.6 meters per second.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion and speed calculations
  • Familiarity with the formula for circumference (C = 2πr)
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to linear speed
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of angular velocity and its calculation
  • Learn about the relationship between linear speed and angular speed
  • Explore examples of circular motion problems in physics
  • Study the implications of radius changes on speed in circular motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on circular motion, as well as educators looking for examples of speed calculations in rotational systems.

Nal101
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


If the radius of a merry-go-round is 11 meters, and it takes 15 seconds to go around once, what is the speed of an atom at the outer rim?

Homework Equations


C = 2 [tex]\pi[/tex] r
v = m / s

The Attempt at a Solution



C = 3.14 * 22
(gives distance traveled, 1 trip)
Multiply by 2 (i.e. 2 trips as indicated by problem)
divide by the time, 15s
Answer was told to be wrong, I thought it rather simple, did I make a calculation error somewhere?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nal101 said:

Homework Statement


and it takes 15 seconds to go around once


so what is the time period? What is the angular velocity when you get that?
 
Nal101 said:
Multiply by 2 (i.e. 2 trips as indicated by problem)
Where does it say this?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
8K