Centrifugal acceleration in rotating frame

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The discussion focuses on calculating centrifugal acceleration for a point P rotating with angular velocity w1 on a platform rotating with angular velocity w, where w1 is greater than w. The user is uncertain whether to use the relative angular velocity (wr = w1 - w) to determine centrifugal acceleration as a' = wr^2 r or to consider both angular velocities separately. It is clarified that centrifugal acceleration is felt in the rotating frame of the platform and that felt acceleration is frame-independent. The conversation emphasizes that centrifugal acceleration is typically negative, as it reflects the need for positive centripetal acceleration to maintain circular motion. Ultimately, the distinction between centrifugal and centripetal acceleration is highlighted, with a recommendation to focus on centripetal acceleration for understanding circular motion.
bznm
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Homework Statement


I have a doubt about the way to calculate the centrifugal acceleration for a point P that rotates with angular velocity ##w_1## wtr a inertial frame on a platform that rotates with angular velocity ##w## (##w_1>w)##. I want to find the centrifugal acceleration in the rotating frame.

Homework Equations


Centripetal force = - centrifugal force

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't have clear if I have to consider the relative angular velocity ##w_r=w_1-w##
and write ##a'_{centrifugal}=w_r^2 r##

or ##a_{centrifugal}=w_1^2 r- w^2 r##
 
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How is this question different from the one you asked in this thread, and which was answered in that thread?
 
you are right, it's similar. But it is a more general question and I wasn't sure that I wouldn't be wrong applying the reasoning that you linked...
Now I can conclude that ##a_{centrifugal}=w_r^2 r## and I don't have to subtract ##w_1^2r## and ##w^2r##... but what do I obtain if I do ##w_1^2r -w^2r##? A lot of thanks____

edit: Mmmmh, no. This question is different from the question that I have posted some days ago.
In that question I asked the acceleration of the ball in a non inertial frame.
In this question, I'm asking for the centrifugal acceleration that the point P "feels" in the frame of the platform.
In the question you linked, I asked for a', the total acceleration that the point P "feels" in the platform frame.
 
Last edited:
bznm said:
In this question, I'm asking for the centrifugal acceleration that the point P "feels" in the frame of the platform.
'Felt' acceleration is frame independent. If it weren't, whether a dropped class breaks upon hitting the floor would depend on what frame of reference we were using to measure it. So 'in the frame of the platform' is meaningless.
Also, note that centrifugal acceleration of a rotating body with constant distance from the axis of rotation will always be negative, because it has to undergo a positive centripetal acceleration in order to maintain the constant distance.
In general, the word 'centrifugal' is best used only for things like string tensions and felt accelerations. 'Centripetal' acceleration is the important concept, which is what keeps the body in circular motion.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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