Centrifugal Force: Are these equal?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of centrifugal force using two equations: F = m ω² r and F = 3.342 x 10^-3 m ω² r. The user seeks clarification on the correctness of both equations while attempting to convert units from SI to imperial. The key issue identified is the conversion of meters to feet and seconds to minutes, specifically using the conversion factor of 3.28084 for meters to feet. The user concludes that their confusion stemmed from improper conversion directions.

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Good Evening to all,

I have been working on the following problem for the past several days and have finally come to the end of my rope. I hate to admit defeat but I do need some help. I'm almost certain I'm simply missing something that's embarassingly simple...

This is the problem exactly as it appears on the page:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Centrifugal force is given by the following equation:

F = m [tex]\omega[/tex]^2 r

Where F = Centrifugal force
m = mass
[tex]\omega[/tex] = angular velocity
r = length of radius

A student told me the other day that centrifugal force on a mass m kg, rotating at an angular velocity of [tex]\omega[/tex] rpm and at a radius of r feet, is given by the following equation:

F = 3.342 x 10^-3 m [tex]\omega[/tex]^2 r [Newtons]

Are both equations correct? Explain?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know that this means I need to take the F equation, break it down into its base SI units and build it back up taking the meters to feet and seconds to minutes conversion into consideration.
I know that the conversion for meters to feet is 3.28084. What am I missing?
 
Last edited:
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Sorry I'd thought I'd manage to find where I was going wrong but apparently not ...
 
Last edited:
F = kg x .10472^2(rad/sec) x .3048(r)
F = 3.34252x10^-3 m w^2 r

It was my conversion directions that was causing all the problems.
 
Last edited:

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