Connected Wheels Problem. Angular Velocity.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two connected wheels, A and C, with different radii and angular accelerations. Wheel A accelerates from rest, and the goal is to determine the time it takes for wheel C to reach a specified rotational speed, considering the relationship between their angular velocities and the belt connection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the angular velocities of the two wheels and convert units to find the time. Some participants question the assumptions about the relationship between the wheels' speeds and the effects of their differing radii on angular velocity calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the original poster's approach and seeking clarification on the definitions of speed in the context of angular and translational velocities. There is a suggestion to review the conversion methods for tangential and angular velocities, indicating a productive direction for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

The problem assumes a non-slipping condition between the wheels and the belt, which is central to the discussion of their velocities. There is also a note that the time for one revolution differs between the two wheels, which may impact the calculations.

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Homework Statement


Wheel A of radius ra = 8.9 cm is coupled by belt B to wheel C of radius rc = 30.7 cm. Wheel A increases its angular speed from rest at time t = 0 s at a uniform rate of 8.6 rad/s2. At what time will wheel C reach a rotational speed of 93.0 rev/min, assuming the belt does not slip?


Homework Equations


2 π rad = 1 Rev
v = vo + at ( constant acc)

The Attempt at a Solution


Wheel A and Wheel C have the same velocity, so I converted the rads to revs and 93 rev/min to 1.55 revs/s and divided the velocity by the acceleration to find the time. But the answer doesn't work. Am I doing something wrong ? Please help !

Thanks
 
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We need to see more of your work to know just were you went wrong. Also, note that the time to for wheel A to complete one revolution is much less than that of wheel B, yet both go through 2\pi radians and your work thus far does not take this difference into account.
 
But being attached to a string doesn't mean they are going at the same speed ?
 
Define "speed". Each point on the belt will be be moving at the same rate, but translational velocity and angular velocity are not the same. Your conversion from radians to revs needs to include the fact that angular velocity depends on radius. Try looking up the conversion of tangential velocity to angular on wikipedia.
 

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