Conceptual: bug masses on a rotating wheel

In summary, for a given time, mass 2 travels a distance that is less than the distance traveled by mass 1. The magnitude of the total acceleration of mass 1 is greater than the total acceleration of mass 2. For a given time, the angle covered by mass 2 is equal to the angle covered by mass 1. For a given time, the angular velocity of mass 2 is equal to the angular velocity of mass 1. The angular acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the angular acceleration of mass 1. The centripetal (radial) acceleration of mass 2 is less than the centripetal acceleration of mass 1. The tangential acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the
  • #1
getty102
38
0

Homework Statement



Two objects of equal mass are on a turning wheel. Mass 1 is located at the rim of the wheel while mass 2 is located halfway between the rim and the axis of rotation. The wheel is rotating with a non-zero angular acceleration. For each of the following statements select the correct option to complete the statement.

Each of these statements have variables that are underlined

1. For a given time, mass 2 travels a distance that is less than the distance traveled by mass
2. The magnitude of the total acceleration of mass 1 is greater than the total acceleration of mass.
3. For a given time, the angle covered by mass 2 is equal to the angle covered by mass 1.
4. For a given time, the angle covered by mass 2 is equal to the angle covered by mass 1.
5. The angular acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the angular acceleration of mass 1
6. The centripetal (radial) acceleration of mass 2 is less than the centripetal acceleration of mass 1.
7. The tangential acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the tangential acceleration of mass 1.

Homework Equations



ac=v2/r
T=(2[itex]\pi[/itex])/ω

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using the relevant equations to prove these statements but it didn't work. I'm not sure which statement is false, or if there's more than 1 wrong statement.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Any help is appreciated! 1. For a given time, mass 2 travels a distance that is less than the distance traveled by mass 1. - True 2. The magnitude of the total acceleration of mass 1 is greater than the total acceleration of mass 2. - False 3. For a given time, the angle covered by mass 2 is equal to the angle covered by mass 1. - True 4. For a given time, the angular velocity of mass 2 is equal to the angular velocity of mass 1. - False 5. The angular acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the angular acceleration of mass 1. - False 6. The centripetal (radial) acceleration of mass 2 is less than the centripetal acceleration of mass 1. - True 7. The tangential acceleration of mass 2 is equal to the tangential acceleration of mass 1. - False
 

Related to Conceptual: bug masses on a rotating wheel

1. What is the concept of "bug masses on a rotating wheel"?

The concept of "bug masses on a rotating wheel" refers to a physics problem that involves calculating the forces and motion of bugs of various masses and velocities moving on a rotating wheel. It is often used as a thought experiment to understand the principles of rotational dynamics.

2. How is the rotational motion of a wheel affected by the bug masses?

The rotational motion of a wheel is affected by the bug masses through the principle of conservation of angular momentum. As the bugs move towards the outer edge of the wheel, they increase the moment of inertia, causing the wheel to rotate slower. Conversely, as the bugs move towards the center, the moment of inertia decreases and the wheel rotates faster.

3. Why is the concept of "bug masses on a rotating wheel" important in physics?

The concept of "bug masses on a rotating wheel" is important in physics because it helps to explain the principles of rotational dynamics, such as angular momentum and moment of inertia. It also demonstrates how the distribution of mass affects the rotational motion of an object.

4. Can this concept be applied to real-world situations?

Yes, the concept of "bug masses on a rotating wheel" can be applied to real-world situations, such as the rotation of planets, galaxies, and even the spinning motion of ice skaters. It can also be used to analyze the motion of objects with irregular shapes, such as cars or airplanes.

5. Are there any limitations to this conceptual problem?

One limitation of this conceptual problem is that it assumes the bugs are moving on a frictionless surface, which is not realistic. In real-world situations, there will always be some friction present, which can affect the motion of the bugs and the wheel. Additionally, this problem does not take into account the effects of air resistance or other external forces.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
179
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
351
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
10
Replies
335
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top