Centripetal Force Skater Speed Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the linear speed of a skater's hands while spinning at 225 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a distance of 152 cm between them. The skater's angular velocity was correctly converted to 3.57 revolutions per second (rps) and 23.56 radians per second (rad/s). The linear speed can be determined using the formula v = ωr, where ω is the angular velocity and r is the radius, which is half the distance between the hands. The radius is 76 cm, leading to a calculated speed of approximately 17.91 m/s.

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  • Understanding of angular velocity and linear speed concepts
  • Familiarity with the formula v = ωr
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversions (rpm to rps and rad/s)
  • Concept of circular motion and radius calculation
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Homework Statement


A skater holds her arms outstretched as she spins at 225 rpm. What is the speed of her hands if they are 152 cm apart?

The Attempt at a Solution


I converted 225 rpm to 3.57 rps and found the angular velocity (23.56 rad/s) to plug into the equation v=wr, but it didn't work. What would that distance between her hands be considered? I bet this is rediculously easy but I can't figure it out! Thanks in advance!
 
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As she spins, the tips of her hands trace out a circle, the diameter of which is the distance between her two hands.
 
Last edited:
Ah thank you!
 

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