Net displacement for a point on a circular saw

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the net displacement of a point on a circular saw blade as it decelerates from 4440 rpm to zero in 2.5 seconds. The angular acceleration was determined to be -29.6 rev/sec², and the distance traveled during deceleration was calculated as 242.16 feet. However, the net displacement, which measures the straight-line distance between the starting and ending points, is incorrectly calculated as 15.7 inches instead of the correct answer of 10 inches. The confusion arises from misunderstanding that displacement is not the total distance traveled but rather the shortest path between two points. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately solving such physics problems.
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Homework Statement



When a carpenter shuts off his circular saw, the 10.0-inch diameter blade slows from 4440 rpm to zero in 2.5 s.
A.What is the angular acceleration of the blade? In rev/sec2
B.What is the distance traveled by a point on the rim of the blade during the deceleration? In feet.
What is the magnitude of the net displacement of a point on the rim of the blade during the deceleration? in inches

I have solved A and B, but cannot get C. The answers are in the back of the book so I know A and B are correct.

Homework Equations


1) \omegaf=\omegao+2\alphat
2) \omegaf2=\omegao2+2\alpha\Delta\Theta

The Attempt at a Solution


A. 4440rev/1min * 1min/60sec=74 rev/sec
Using equation 1:
0=74+\alpha*2.5
\alpha=-29.6 rev/sec2

B. Using equation 2:
0=742+2*-29.4*\Delta\Theta
\Delta\Theta=92.5 Rev

1ft/12in*10pi in./1 rev * 92.5rev = 242.16 feet.

C. I know that it completed 92.5 revolutions. There are .5 revolutions left over.
10pi in/ 1 rev *.5 rev = 15.7 inches.

However, this answer is wrong. Why? The proper answer is 10 inches.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Displacement is determined by the straight-line distance between two points, not the distance around the circumference.

p.s since nobody said it to you before: welcome to Physics Forums :smile:
 
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