Distance of travel in circular motion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance traveled by a car in circular motion at an intersection, particularly in the context of a traffic court case. Participants explore various methods to determine this distance using available measurements such as speed, time, and radius of the turn.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks an equation to determine the distance traveled in circular motion, given speed, time, and radius.
  • Another participant suggests using the circumference formula (2∏r) to estimate distance for a circular path, proposing adjustments for different angles of turns (e.g., 90 degrees and 180 degrees).
  • A participant questions the necessity of calculations and suggests physically measuring the distance through the intersection, implying that it should be easily measurable.
  • There is a response expressing frustration over a repeated post, indicating a lack of clarity in the discussion.
  • Another participant introduces a formula relating distance, average speed, and time, suggesting that if distance and time are known, it could be used to find the average speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method to determine the distance traveled, with some advocating for mathematical calculations while others suggest direct measurement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most appropriate approach.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the nature of the turn (not being a perfect circle) and the feasibility of physical measurement, which may affect the proposed methods. The discussion also reflects some interpersonal conflict, which may distract from the technical focus.

CommandoDude
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I'm trying to figure out the distance traveled in a circular motion. This is for a traffic court case, I need to figure out how far my car traveled in an intersection.

So far, I've only been able to find equations for determining speed. I have speed. I have time. I also have the radius of the circular movement (I measured the intersection and made an average to determine the curve because the turn was not a perfect circle). What I need is distance.

What would be the equation to determine the distance traveled?
 
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CommandoDude said:
I'm trying to figure out the distance traveled in a circular motion. This is for a traffic court case, I need to figure out how far my car traveled in an intersection.

So far, I've only been able to find equations for determining speed. I have speed. I have time. I also have the radius of the circular movement (I measured the intersection and made an average to determine the curve because the turn was not a perfect circle). What I need is distance.

What would be the equation to determine the distance traveled?

Not being a perfect circle messes this up a bit but if it's not too far out the circumfrence of a circle is 2∏r with r being your radius. If i'ts a 90 degree turn then your distance would be ≈ 2∏r/4 or ∏r/2 for your distance. A 180 degree turn would be twice that.
 
Hi there
welcome to PF :)

since its something that actually happened.
what is stopping from physically measuring that distance ?
through an intersection so it must be in the 10 - maybe 100metres max
that is easily measurable with a good tape measure etc
you, I assume are not talking about half a km (500m) ?

cheers
Dave
 
mrgeorge said:
what is stopping from physically measuring that distance ?
through an intersection so it must be in the 10 - maybe 100metres max
that is easily measurable with a good tape measure etc

are you ok are you a parrot??

why repost most of my post ??
thats a very pointless thing to do


to the Mods
I was considering reporting his post but it didnt fall within the guidelines

DAve
 
Also, if you have distance and time, you could use that, with \displaystyle\bar{\left|\vec{v}\right|}= \dfrac{\left| \vec{p}\right|}{t}, where p is the distance travelled.
 

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