Rotational Freq of Wheel for "Artificial Gravity" of 9.3 m/s^2

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rotational frequency of a wheel-shaped space station with a diameter of 124 meters to generate an artificial gravity of 9.3 m/s². The correct approach involves using the formula v² = gr to find the linear velocity, followed by w = v/r to determine the angular velocity. The final frequency must be converted to revolutions per minute (rpm) from revolutions per second. A common mistake noted is the confusion between these units, emphasizing the importance of unit conversion in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as gravity and centripetal force
  • Familiarity with rotational motion equations, specifically v² = gr and w = v/r
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between revolutions per second and revolutions per minute
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for unknowns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of centripetal acceleration and its relation to artificial gravity
  • Learn about angular velocity and its calculations in rotational dynamics
  • Explore unit conversion techniques, especially between different frequency units
  • Investigate real-world applications of artificial gravity in space station design
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of artificial gravity systems in space environments.

rrodriguez119
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
1. A space station in the form of a large wheel, 124 m in diamete, rotates to provide and "artificial gravity" of 9.3 m/s^2 for people located on the outer rim.

Find the rotational frequency of the wheel that will produce this effect.
(answer in units of rpm)

2. v^2=gr, w=v/r, w/2pi = frequency


3. To find velocity I used v^2=gr. I know that w=v/r so with my found velocity I divided it by the radius (62). to find the frequency=> w/2pi = frequency. I must be missing a step because the answer I got is wrong. Help would be fancied. thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The number you calculated for frequency is probably expressed in revolutions (cycles) per second (I'm guessing, since you did not show how you arrived at whatever answer you got). The question asks for revolutions per minute (rpm). You must watch units!
 
PhanthomJay said:
The number you calculated for frequency is probably expressed in revolutions (cycles) per second (I'm guessing, since you did not show how you arrived at whatever answer you got). The question asks for revolutions per minute (rpm). You must watch units!

what would you do?
 
nvm, I understand what i have to do. thanks!
 

Similar threads

2 Masses and a Wheel (with mass)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
950
Circular motion, coin on a rotating disk
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
893
Earth's rotation slows down slightly over time -- How much energy is lost?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Are the 2nd and 3rd problems in this video correctly solved? (charged dipole and organ pipe problems)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Angular momentum and rotational inertia
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Perfectly inelastic collision of two moving and rotating disks
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Given the frequency and wavespeed, find k
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
A cart with two cylindrical wheels connected by a rod
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Calculating Rotational Kinetic Energy of a Baton
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Require help with angular velocity and people flying off the planet
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K