Need help quick with rotational acceleration

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the rotational acceleration of a bicycle wheel when a weight is dropped from different heights, causing the wheel to turn 180 degrees. The key formula involves the tangential force exerted by the rope, which equals the gravitational force on the weight, allowing for the calculation of angular acceleration (alpha) using the equation α . R = mgh. Participants clarify the definitions of key variables: omega (angular speed), alpha (angular acceleration), and theta (angular position). The initial conditions for theta and omega are also specified, with theta starting at π and omega at 0. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these formulas to analyze the wheel's motion effectively.
Tymon
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Imagine there is a bicycle wheel. At 1 point on the wheel a rope is fixed to the wheel. The rope is wrapped around the wheel 180 degrees and on the other end of the rope their is a weight (see image below).

image.JPG


The point is actually that I want to compare the weight dropping from different heights (to make the wheel turn) and see which acceleration the wheel gets from these different heights.

NB: The wheel will only accelerate 180 degrees.

Please help => HOW??!
 
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Well the tangential force on the weel, exerted by the rope is equal to the gravity force acting on the object. Via \alpha . R = a_{t} = mgh you can calculate the acceleration. Then you can use the formula's for omega (you know \omega = \omega_{0} + \alpha.t)and theta in order to calculate the angular velocity omega...alpha is the angular acceleration but you knew that already right ?


regards
marlon
 
Thanks a lot first of all. Can you please write down a little list: omega = ... alpha = acceleration etc. because I have seen different letters for the same things so I am kind of confused. Thanks.
 
Tymon said:
Thanks a lot first of all. Can you please write down a little list: omega = ... alpha = acceleration etc. because I have seen different letters for the same things so I am kind of confused. Thanks.


omega is angular speed
alpha is angular velocity
theta is the angle with the horizotal x-axis.

\theta = \theta_{0} + \omega_{0}.t + \alpha . \frac{t^2}{2}

the formula for omega is in my previous post.
When there is a subscript 0 : it means inital. So inital velocity and theta.

For eample the \theta_{0} = \pi because you start on the left side of the circle and \omega_{0} = 0

regards
marlon
 
Thank You!
 
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