How Do You Calculate the Velocity of a Point on a Rotating Disc?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the velocity of a point on a rotating disc, specifically one that rotates at 800 rpm. The original poster attempts to derive the velocity using the relationship between frequency, period, and distance traveled in one revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of rpm to revolutions per second and the subsequent calculation of velocity using the period and distance traveled in one revolution. There are questions regarding unit consistency and the importance of maintaining the correct units throughout the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the original poster's calculations and suggest that the approach is valid. There is a focus on ensuring that units are correctly carried through the calculations, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of unit consistency in the calculations, particularly regarding the period and its implications for the final velocity unit. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify any assumptions related to the setup of the problem.

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Homework Statement



Find the velocity v of a general point on a plate rotating at 800 rpm which is r meters from the center.

This is literally a copy and paste job.

Homework Equations



period = T = 1 / f ; f = frequency

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I did please tell me if it is correct

800 rpm = 40 / 3 rps = f

T = 1 / f = 3 / 40

v = distance / time = (2 pi r) / (3 / 40) = (80 pi r) / 3
 
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That is correct.
You could also have seen that 40/3 rps can be directly translated into a speed by replacing the r in rps with the distance covered in 1 revolution (2 pi r).
That would give you the same result ##\frac{80 \pi r}{ 3}##m/sec.
 
Yes, that works. You need to carry the "seconds" unit through to the end though. The period T has seconds as its unit.

Otherwise you'll end up with a "velocity" with units of distance rather than distance/time.
 
RUber said:
That is correct.
You could also have seen that 40/3 rps can be directly translated into a speed by replacing the r in rps with the distance covered in 1 revolution (2 pi r).
That would give you the same result ##\frac{80 \pi r}{ 3}##m/sec.
Awesome! Thank you.
 
gneill said:
Yes, that works. You need to carry the "seconds" unit through to the end though. The period T has seconds as its unit.

Otherwise you'll end up with a "velocity" with units of distance rather than distance/time.
Ohh... I see. Thank you
 

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