Relationship between Linear and Rotational Variables

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between angular and linear acceleration, specifically questioning a professor's assertion that angular acceleration equals radius times linear acceleration. Participants clarify that the correct relationship is linear acceleration equals radius times angular acceleration, emphasizing the need to use radians instead of degrees in calculations. They explain that torque is calculated as force times radius, leading to the derivation of linear acceleration from angular acceleration. The conversation also touches on the application of these concepts to estimate the velocity of an action, specifically in the context of breaking a piece of toilet paper off a roll. Overall, the key takeaway is the correct formulation of the relationship between linear and rotational variables.
killercatfish
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
My main confusion is in the proof my professor showed us just before break. He came up with a relationship of (angular acceleration)=radius*(linear acceleration) which doesn't make sense, we are assuming a 90 degree angle, so from r x (angular acceleration) = (linear acceleration) wouldn't we get r*aa=la --> aa=la/r.

I am in need of this to make the conversion in a problem where I can estimate the velocity of an action (and derive the velocity from the acceleration). But have to start with the basic Fnet=Iaa, and the only force is the torque.

Any clarification would be great. THANK YOU!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should use radians instead of degrees. Radian is a bit unusual in physics, in that it's a pseudo-unit. When converting from rotational movement to linear movement, "radian" can be simply dropped, and when converting from linear to rotational movement, "radian" can be added.

Force x radius = torque, so force = torque / radius.
 
linear acceleration = radius x angular acceleration

Hi killercatfish! :smile:

Angular acceleration is 1/time^2.

Linear acceleration is length/time^2.

Radius*(linear acceleration) is length^2/time^2.

It should be linear acceleration (tangential, with fixed radius) = radius*angular acceleration. :smile:

Your professor must be wrong :frown: (or sadly misunderstood! :cry:).
 
killercatfish said:
My main confusion is in the proof my professor showed us just before break. He came up with a relationship of (angular acceleration)=radius*(linear acceleration) which doesn't make sense,
No it doesn't. Sounds like you (or he) have it backwards. How did he "prove" this?
we are assuming a 90 degree angle, so from r x (angular acceleration) = (linear acceleration) wouldn't we get r*aa=la --> aa=la/r.
That's the correct relationship.
 
Here is how I derived angular acceleration to linear acceleration:

> Radius*theta = ArcLength;
> d(Radius*theta)/dt = ds/dt;
> Radius*omega = V;
> d(Radius*omega)/dt = dV/dt;
> Radius*alpha = a;
> alpha = a/Radius;

here is a link for a clearer image:
http://killercatfish.com/RandomIsh/images/Derivation.png"

And this is what I came up with for the impulse:

> tau = Radius*`sinθ`*Force;
> Fnet = I*alpha;
> Fnet = I*a/Radius;
> Fnet = tau;
> MI := (1/2)*mass*(R^2+R[o]^2);
> Radius*Force = MI*alpha;
> Force = MI*`ΔV`/(`Δt`*Radius);
> Force*`Δt` = MI*`ΔV`/Radius;

here is a link for clearer image:
http://killercatfish.com/RandomIsh/images/Formula.png"

Could someone A, let me know if this is correct, and B, help me to understand how this will give me the radius which is the point of breaking?

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
killercatfish said:
… how this will give me the radius which is the point of breaking?

Breaking what? You haven't set out the question … :confused:
 
HAHA! Oh man, thank you for pointing out the key flaw.. :)

This is to describe the breaking of a piece of toilet paper off the roll. I have read the other post on the site, but it wasnt heavily equation laden.

Thanks!
 
Back
Top