How Is v=rω Derived in the Context of Rotational Motion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter slimnexus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Figure
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The derivation of the equation v = rω is rooted in the relationship between linear and angular motion for rolling objects. The kinetic energy of a rolling object is expressed as K_{rolling} = K_{translational} + K_{rotational}, which expands to K_{rolling} = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2} + \frac{1}{2}Iω^{2}. When an object rolls without slipping, the distance traveled in one complete rotation equals its circumference (2πr). By dividing this distance by the time period T for one revolution, the equation simplifies to v = ωr, establishing the direct relationship between linear speed v and angular velocity ω.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational motion concepts
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relation to linear speed
  • Basic grasp of the geometry of circles, specifically circumference
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear and angular motion in detail
  • Explore the derivation of kinetic energy formulas in rotational dynamics
  • Learn about the concept of rolling without slipping and its implications
  • Investigate the applications of v = rω in real-world scenarios, such as wheels and gears
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching rotational dynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of motion and energy in mechanical systems.

slimnexus
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Question comes from this book http://www.anselm.edu/internet/physics/cbphysics/index.html

In the section on rotational energy it gives the formula K_{rolling} = K_{translational}+K_{rotational} which it then expands to K_{rolling} = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2} + \frac{1}{2}Iω^{2}. Then it states that when an object that is rolling without slipping completes one rotation it travels a distance equal to its circumference so far so good. But then it says to divide both sides of the equation by 2πr, and on the left side we should have the speed of the object and on the right side its angular velocity. So I should end up with v = rω. But the author doesn't show any intermediate steps and I am not following this, I don't want to move on until I understand what's going on here.

So my question is how is v = rω derived from the earlier stated equation. Intermediate steps would be much appreciated. Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
slimnexus said:

Homework Statement


Question comes from this book http://www.anselm.edu/internet/physics/cbphysics/index.html

In the section on rotational energy it gives the formula K_{rolling} = K_{translational}+K_{rotational} which it then expands to K_{rolling} = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2} + \frac{1}{2}Iω^{2}. Then it states that when an object that is rolling without slipping completes one rotation it travels a distance equal to its circumference so far so good. But then it says to divide both sides of the equation by 2πr, and on the left side we should have the speed of the object and on the right side its angular velocity. So I should end up with v = rω. But the author doesn't show any intermediate steps and I am not following this, I don't want to move on until I understand what's going on here.

So my question is how is v = rω derived from the earlier stated equation. Intermediate steps would be much appreciated. Thanks for any help you can provide.

I'm not sure what the stated equation is supposed to be, but here's one way to arrive at where you want to go:

Suppose that the period for one revolution is T, so that in time T the distance traveled is one circumference. Thus:

##d = 2\pi\;r## and dividing both sides by T gives ##\frac{d}{T} = \frac{2\pi}{T}r##

On the left we see d/T which is the speed. On the right, we see ##2\pi/T## which is just ω in disguise...
 
gneill said:
I'm not sure what the stated equation is supposed to be, but here's one way to arrive at where you want to go:

Suppose that the period for one revolution is T, so that in time T the distance traveled is one circumference. Thus:

##d = 2\pi\;r## and dividing both sides by T gives ##\frac{d}{T} = \frac{2\pi}{T}r##

On the left we see d/T which is the speed. On the right, we see ##2\pi/T## which is just ω in disguise...

In the equations in my original post K is kinetic energy. So in words "Rolling kinetic energy is equal to translational kinetic energy plus rotational kinetic energy".

I can understand the method you just showed, that works out pretty simple. But I still don't see how the equations in the original post can be simplified to the same thing. Maybe someone could look at the book (it's free), it might make more sense than the way I worded it here.

Thanks for the help!
 
From the textbook:

Distance traveled in one rotation = 2π r

Now if we divide both sides of this equation by the amount of time that it takes for the object to complete one rotation we obtain on the left, the speed of the object and, on the right, we can interpret the 2π as 2π radians and, since 2π radians is one rotation the 2π radians divided by the time it takes for the object to complete one rotation is just the magnitude of the angular velocity ω. Hence we arrive at

v =ωr

I took a look at the textbook and IMO he's now referring to another separate formula, c = πd or in his form, c = 2πr, where c is the circumference of the circle. The is means that c is the distance the wheel will travel in one rotation.
 
rollcast said:
From the textbook:
I took a look at the textbook and IMO he's now referring to another separate formula, c = πd or in his form, c = 2πr, where c is the circumference of the circle. The is means that c is the distance the wheel will travel in one rotation.

I think I get it now. He's now referring to the formula distance = 2πr when he talks about dividing by time. Thanks a lot! Now that I understand that I will be able to continue.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
39
Views
3K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K