Explanation needed in angular acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a disk rotating about its central axis with constant angular acceleration, starting from rest. The scenario includes calculating angular acceleration, average angular velocity, instantaneous angular velocity, and additional angular displacement over a specified time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation for angular displacement but questions the appropriate value for θ. Some participants clarify that θ refers to the angle in radians, while others suggest considering the average angular velocity as a potential input.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the correct interpretation of the variables involved in the problem. There is a focus on ensuring the correct values are used in calculations, with some guidance provided regarding unit analysis and the distinction between angle and angular velocity.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the application of the angular displacement formula and the values to be used for θ and ω. The original poster is seeking clarity on these points to proceed with their calculations.

Schwatt!
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Hi all, I am doing some homework from my textbook and I encountered this problem:

"Starting from rest, a disk rotates about its central axis with constant angular acceleration. In 5.0 s, it rotates 25 rad. During that time, what are the magnitudes of (a) the angular acceleration and (b) the average angular velocity? (c) Wha is the instantaneous angular velocity of the disk at the end of the 5.0 s? (d) With the angular acceleration unchanged, through what additional angle will the disk turn during the next 5.0s?"

I have a problem calculating the value for (a). I have the answer but I am not sure why I am right. Using θ = ω0t+ 1/2αt^2 and solving for a, what is the value to be used for θ? Would it be the given 25 rad. or 25 rad/5 s?
 
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[itex]\theta[/itex] is an angle, not an angular velocity.

If all else fails, use unit analysis to check what you should plug in.
 
ok so that would mean to plug in the radian measure but that number does not give the answer; the 25/5 does...
 
Schwatt! said:
ok so that would mean to plug in the radian measure but that number does not give the answer; the 25/5 does...
The 25/5 is the correct quantity, that is what Saketh was hinting at. Since;

[tex]\omega=\frac{d\theta}{dt} = \frac{25}{5} = 5\;rad.s^{-1}[/tex]
 

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