Rate of Rotation for a Pulley (Question for a Reasoning/Thinking Skills Test)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the rate of rotation of multiple pulleys, specifically how the diameters of the pulleys relate to their rotational speeds. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the physics concepts involved, particularly regarding pulleys and their relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to calculate the rate of rotation for pulleys B and C based on the given rate for pulley A and their respective diameters. Some participants provide equations and seek intuitive explanations for the formula v = rω, while others share calculations related to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing equations and calculations. There is a request for further clarification on the formula v = rω, indicating a desire for deeper understanding rather than a straightforward solution. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of familiarity with pulleys and expresses concern about the depth of physics knowledge required for the question. This context suggests that the discussion may involve foundational concepts in rotational motion.

vertciel
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Homework Statement



*Please note that the following question is for a reasoning/thinking skills test. As I have only studied physics up to junior year in high school (and did not study pulleys then), I am unsure of the depth of physics knowledge required in this question, though it seems to involve some physics.

[PLAIN]http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1577/imgsb.jpg


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since the rate of rotation for pulley A is given, it seems that I am to find the rate of rotation for pulley B, and then C using the diameters of the three pulleys. However, I am not familiar with the relationship between rate of rotation and diameters of pulleys.

Thank you very much for your help.

vertciel
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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A vital equation would be v=rω where 'r' is the radius and 'ω' is the rate of rotation.
 
Thanks for your response, rock.freak667.

I have done some work, shown below, and have arrived at the correct answer. However, could someone please explain the formula v = rω ? How can I see this formula intuitively (especially since I have little background in physics)?

Thank you!

scherz0

---

Given information \Rightarrow radius of Pulley A and smaller, inner pulley at B = \frac{1}{2} m, radius of outer pulley at B = 1 m, and radius of C = 2 m.

\Rightarrow Circumference of A and inner B pulley = \pi, Circumference of outer B = 2 \pi, Circumference of C = 4 \pi.

So A makes 8 turns/s \Rightarrow A makes \frac{1}{2}\frac{8 \pi}{s}= \frac{4 /pi}{s} \Rightarrow outer B makes \frac{4 \pi}{s} \div 1 \pi = \frac{4 \pi}{s} \Rightarrow inner B makes \frac{4 \pi}{s} /times 2 = \frac{8 \pi}{s} \Rightarrow C makes \frac{8 \pi}{s} \div 2 = \frac{4 \pi}{s} = Circumference of C \Rightarrow C makes 1 complete turn every second.
 
Last edited:
vertciel said:
Thanks for your response, rock.freak667.

I have done some work, shown below, and have arrived at the correct answer. However, could someone please explain the formula v = rω ? How can I see this formula intuitively (especially since I have little background in physics)?


This http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rotq.html#avel" should help a bit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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