Finding angular velocity based on x vs t graph

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining angular velocity from a displacement vs. time graph resembling simple harmonic motion (SHM). The graph indicates a cycle completion of 1 cycle every 4 seconds, corresponding to an angular displacement of 6.28 radians. Consequently, the calculated angular velocity is 1.57 rad/s, which is not among the provided options of 2.0 rad/s, 0.5 rad/s, or 1 rad/s. The key takeaway is that the graph's characteristics lead to a conclusion that the angular velocity is none of the above choices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with angular velocity and its calculation
  • Knowledge of the relationship between tangential velocity and angular velocity
  • Basic graph interpretation skills in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular velocity from displacement vs. time graphs
  • Learn about the characteristics of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Explore the formula v(tangential) = ω r in depth
  • Investigate periodic motion and its implications on angular displacement
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and dynamics, as well as educators seeking to explain angular velocity concepts through graphical analysis.

cuttooth
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I am given the attached graph (excuse my abysmal homemade graph!). On the y-axis, I presume that it is displacement (x). The x-axis is time. This graph looks like SHM, but I could be wrong! The graph rises from 0 to 2 every 2 seconds, and drops back to 0 on the y-axis for 2 seconds before repeating the cycle. The problem asks to find angular velocity based on the graph. I am given the choices of 2.0 rad/s, 0.5 rad/s, 1 rad/sec, or none of above.



Homework Equations



This graph looks like SHM, but I could be wrong!


The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no clue how to derive angular velocity based on this graph. I am guessing you have to find tangential velocity from the graph and from there determine angular velocity using the formula v(tangential) = ω r. Am I on the right track? Again, please excuse the poor graph. :)
 

Attachments

  • unknown graph.jpg
    unknown graph.jpg
    10.8 KB · Views: 860
Physics news on Phys.org
That graph can't be a x(t) plot because of the vertical segments. This says that somhow a particle covered some distance x in zero time. Also the velocity is undefined at those points. If you were just looking at it on a cycle or periodic basis then you would say it completes 1 cycle in 4s. And in one cycle there are 6.28rads. So you would get 1.57rad/s which would be none of the above.
 

Similar threads

Replies
67
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K