Converting angual velocity to linear velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an astronaut being tested in a centrifuge, with a focus on converting angular velocity to linear velocity. The scenario includes parameters such as the radius of the centrifuge and the angular displacement as a function of time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate angular velocity and is exploring the conversion of angular velocity to linear velocity. Some participants suggest using the relationship between linear and angular velocity, while others question the units involved in the conversion process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the conversion of angular velocity to linear velocity and clarifying unit considerations. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between radians and arc length.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes questions about unit conversions and the implications of using radians in calculations. There may be constraints related to the specific equations or methods permitted in the homework context.

crybllrd
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Homework Statement


An astronaut is being tested in a centrifuge. The centrifuge has a radius of 10m and, in starting, rotates [tex]\theta[/tex]=0.30t[tex]^{2}[/tex], there t is in seconds and [tex]\theta[/tex] in radians. When t=5.0s, what are the magnitudes of the astronaut's (a) angular velocity, (b) linear velocity, (c) tangential acceleration, and (d) radial acceleration?


Homework Equations



Kinematics equations

The Attempt at a Solution



For (a), I used [tex]\theta[/tex]=.30(5)[tex]^{2}[/tex]=7.5rad, plugging in 5.0s for t. Then knowing initial angular velocity = 0, time = 5s, and now [tex]\theta[/tex]=7.5rad, I used a kinematics equation to determine final angular velocity to be 3rad/s.

Part (b) is where I'm stuck. I was thinking to convert 3 rad/s to degrees, then divide by 360 degrees to get 4.7 rotations a second, but not sure where to go from there (or if I'm on the right track).
 
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Well you can formulate the expression for v using v=rω and you know that ω=dθ/dt.
 
Thanks for the fast reply.
Where does that leave me in units? Seems like it would be (rad*m)/s. Is there a way I can divide out the radians?
 
crybllrd said:
Thanks for the fast reply.
Where does that leave me in units? Seems like it would be (rad*m)/s. Is there a way I can divide out the radians?

a radian is the ratio of arc length to radius so essentially, you can leave out the radian with no consequence.
 

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