Find the diameter of a circle given linear velocity?

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SUMMARY

The diameter of a circular object can be calculated using the formula \(d = \frac{2v}{\omega}\), where \(v\) is the linear velocity and \(\omega\) is the angular velocity. In the example discussed, the linear velocity is given as 19 mph, which converts to 1672 ft/min. The angular velocity, derived from 10 revolutions per minute, is calculated as \(20\pi\) radians/min. Substituting these values into the formula provides the diameter of the ride.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear velocity and angular velocity concepts
  • Ability to convert units (e.g., mph to ft/min)
  • Familiarity with circular motion equations
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions (e.g., radians)
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about angular velocity and its applications in circular motion
  • Study unit conversions between different measurement systems
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular velocity in physics
  • Practice solving problems involving circular motion and diameters
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Students studying physics, engineers working with rotational systems, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of circular motion.

fluffertoes
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[SOLVED] Find the diameter of a circle given linear velocity?

Hello all! I need help with a certain type of problem. I do not know how I can find the diameter of a circular object given it's linear velocity. Here is an example problem, and I would love any explanation you could give me! Thanks! :))

Leaving the Ferris Wheel, Daniel sees his friend, Jenna, riding the Super Circle Swings. As he watches, she goes around 10 times in one minute. The sign on the ride claims that the swings travel 19mph. What is the diameter of the ride if the sign is correct?
 
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fluffertoes said:
Hello all! I need help with a certain type of problem. I do not know how I can find the diameter of a circular object given it's linear velocity. Here is an example problem, and I would love any explanation you could give me! Thanks! :))

Leaving the Ferris Wheel, Daniel sees his friend, Jenna, riding the Super Circle Swings. As he watches, she goes around 10 times in one minute. The sign on the ride claims that the swings travel 19mph. What is the diameter of the ride if the sign is correct?
Hint: [math]v = \omega r[/math]

How do you find [math]\omega[/math] ? I'd advised changing the 19 mi/h to ft/min.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Hint: [math]v = \omega r[/math]

How do you find [math]\omega[/math] ? I'd advised changing the 19 mi/h to ft/min.

-Dan

Oh my, are people ever going to switch to a system, not necessarily the metric system, that doesn't require a factor or divisor of, say, 88? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Oh my, are people ever going to switch to a system, not necessarily the metric system, that doesn't require a factor or divisor of, say, 88? (Wondering)

I really just don't know what to do...
 
Let's begin by taking the formula Dan provided, and solve for $r$:

$$r=\frac{v}{\omega}$$

Now, we know the radius $r$ is half the diameter $d$:

$$d=\frac{2v}{\omega}$$

We are given:

$$v=19\text{ mph}\cdot\frac{5280\text{ ft}}{1\text{ mi}}\cdot\frac{1\text{ hr}}{60\text{ min}}=1672\,\frac{\text{ft}}{\text{min}}$$

Now we need to turn 10 revolutions per minutes into an angular velocity given in radians (dimensionless) per minute:

$$\omega=10\,\frac{\text{rev}}{\text{min}}\cdot\frac{2\pi}{1\text{ rev}}=20\pi\,\frac{1}{\text{min}}$$

So, plug in these values...what do you get for $d$?
 
I like Serena said:
Oh my, are people ever going to switch to a system, not necessarily the metric system, that doesn't require a factor or divisor of, say, 88? (Wondering)
Hey, you're preaching to the choir. But, given the units, I figure the answer will be in ft.

-Dan
 

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