Centrifugal acceleration in rotating frame

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating centrifugal acceleration for a point in a rotating frame, specifically when comparing angular velocities of a point and a platform. The original poster is uncertain about how to properly account for relative angular velocities in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine whether to use the relative angular velocity for calculating centrifugal acceleration or to consider both angular velocities separately. Some participants question the implications of defining centrifugal acceleration in a rotating frame and its relationship to centripetal acceleration.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly the distinction between centrifugal and centripetal acceleration. There is a recognition of the complexities involved in defining acceleration in non-inertial frames, and some guidance has been offered regarding the terminology used in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that their question is distinct from previous inquiries, focusing specifically on the centrifugal acceleration experienced in the frame of the rotating platform. There is an ongoing discussion about the nature of felt acceleration and its frame dependence.

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.
 

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