How Do You Calculate Angular Acceleration of a Wheel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular acceleration of a wheel with a diameter of 70 cm that accelerates uniformly from 160 RPM to 280 RPM over 4 seconds. The correct formula for angular acceleration is α = Δω / Δt, where Δω represents the change in angular velocity. The user initially calculated an angular acceleration of 30 without converting RPM to radians per second, which is essential for accurate results. Proper unit conversion is necessary to ensure the calculations are logically consistent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity and its units (RPM and radians per second)
  • Familiarity with the concept of angular acceleration
  • Knowledge of basic kinematic equations for rotational motion
  • Ability to convert units between RPM and radians per second
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert RPM to radians per second for accurate angular calculations
  • Study the relationship between linear and angular acceleration
  • Explore the implications of uniform acceleration in rotational motion
  • Practice solving problems involving angular motion using different initial and final angular velocities
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focused on rotational dynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of angular acceleration calculations.

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Homework Statement


A 70cm diameter wheels accelerates uniformly from 160 rpm to 280 rpm in 4.00s.
Determine:
a) it's angular acceleration, and
b) the radial and tangential components of the linear acceleration of a point on the edge of the wheel 2.00s after it has started accelerating

a=?
w2= 280rpm
w1= 160rpm
t = 4.0s
d= .7m

Homework Equations



a = w2-w1 / t


The Attempt at a Solution



I used that equation for part a, with a= 280rpm - 160rpm /4.0s
and got a= 30 , but I don't feel that is right. Is there a better equation I could have used?
 
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The formula you used is fine, but more accurately:
[tex]\alpha = \frac{{\Delta}\omega}{{\Delta}t}[/tex]
this gives average angular acceleration over the given time interval.

You need to specify units in your answer (and you'll find you want to convert it to more logical units)
 

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