Is Constant Linear Velocity Possible in Rotating Particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of linear velocity in the context of a particle rotating around an axis with constant angular velocity. Participants explore the implications of constant angular velocity on linear velocity, acceleration, and the nature of forces involved in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether linear velocity can be considered constant when a particle rotates with constant angular velocity, noting that while the magnitude of linear velocity remains constant, its direction changes continuously.
  • Another participant asserts that a particle rotating with constant angular velocity is always experiencing linear acceleration due to the change in direction of motion, even if the speed remains constant.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between tangential acceleration and angular acceleration, with some participants expressing confusion over how tangential acceleration can be zero if angular acceleration is also zero.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the distinction between tangential speed and velocity, with emphasis on the vector nature of acceleration having both tangential and radial components.
  • Participants discuss that if the tangential component of acceleration is zero (as in constant angular velocity), the radial acceleration still exists due to the continuous change in direction of the linear velocity.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of using subscripts correctly to avoid confusion between tangential speed and acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that while the magnitude of linear velocity can remain constant in circular motion, the direction changes, leading to linear acceleration. However, there is some confusion and debate regarding the implications of zero tangential acceleration and its relationship to angular acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and relationships between tangential and radial components of acceleration, as well as the implications of constant angular velocity on linear motion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of physics, particularly those interested in mechanics, circular motion, and the dynamics of rotating systems.

SakuRERE
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If talking about a particle rotating around an axis away from it by r. if the particle is moving with constant angular velocity ω. is the linear velocity constant or no?
Now what I know is that since we have Vt= ωr, so r doesn't change, as well as ω, so Vt is said to be constant. but I think it's not right to say that the linear velocity is constant since we have continuous changing in the direction of Vt, but I believe it's a constant linear speed. so, does this mean that at (linear acceleration) is available even when the magnitude of the linear velocity is not changing only the direction does? (since any change in the direction means we have an acceleration)?
when i come to at=α t, if we have an at, then this means we have α which must be zero. so my way of thinking is wrong! right?
this means that it is only for the changing of the magnitude of velocity, right? if yes then what is the linear acceleration that is resulted from the changing of vt direction?
 
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Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
 
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DrClaude said:
Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero
 
SakuRERE said:
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
 
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In the equations that you have used.

vt = ωr
at = αr

These are not vectors. The left hand side of the first equation is not the velocity. It is the tangential speed. In the second equation, the LHS is the tangential component of the acceleration. It is not the acceleration.
The acceleration, whhich is a vector, has two components. One along the tangent and one along the radius. If the tangential component is zero, which is what happens if ω is constant, then the speed is constant. The velocity is, of course, not constant, because it is changing direction.
 
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SakuRERE said:
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero

The force and the acceleration are always perpendicular to the current direction of motion, so they only change the direction, not the speed or the kinetic energy.
 
y
jbriggs444 said:
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
yes yes exactly
 
Chandra Prayaga said:
If the tangential component is zero, which is what happens if ω is constant
so the linear acceleration is made of two components :
1- the at the Tangential component, this is related to the magnitude of the velocity only. when there is change in vt there will be at.
2- the radial component which is directed to axis of rotation is related to the direction of the linear velocity only. so when the ω is constant and so vt is constant (α=0 --> at=0) the radial acceleration is still there directed to the axis, since we still have changing in the direction. and the radial acceleration is always there unless the ω=0 means there is no rotation at all! right?
thanks
 
Yes. You should use subscripts carefully so as not to cause confusion. The quantities are written vt and at.
 
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Chandra Prayaga said:
Yes. You should use subscripts carefully so as not to cause confusion. The quantities are written vt and at.
thanks so much your explanation was straight to the point.
Cutter Ketch said:
The force and the acceleration are always perpendicular to the current direction of motion, so they only change the direction, not the speed or the kinetic energy.
jbriggs444 said:
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
DrClaude said:
Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
I am literally appreciating everyone in this forum, who has the willingness to help without any return, every one of you is a lifesaver!
 
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