Rotational Motion and Angular Displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stroboscope used to illuminate a rotating object, specifically a three-bladed propeller, to determine the shortest time between flashes that would make the propeller appear stationary at a given angular speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the time between flashes using angular displacement and angular velocity but encounters an issue with the consistency of units.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance regarding unit consistency, suggesting a conversion from revolutions per second to radians per second. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify the problem and address misunderstandings without reaching a consensus on the solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses frustration with their calculations, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the concepts involved. There is also a light-hearted exchange regarding self-criticism in the learning process.

wchvball13
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Homework Statement



A stroboscope is a light that flashes on and off at a constant rate. It can be used to illuminate a rotating object, and if the flashing rate is adjusted properly, the object can be made to appear stationary.

(a) What is the shortest time between flashes of light that will make a three-bladed propeller appear stationary when it is rotating with an angular speed of 12.6 rev/s?



(b) What is the next shortest time?




Homework Equations



ω=(∆θ)/(∆t)


The Attempt at a Solution



I took ∆θ = ⅓ rev (2pi radians/1 rev) = 2.09 radians
then I used ω=(∆θ)/(∆t)...
12.6 = (2.09/t) which gives me t=.166

What I did makes sense to me, but the answer is wrong so obviously I am too...Don't know what else to do...
 
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Looks like you have an issue with unit consistency. You have put the angular displacement in radians, but the angular velocity is in rev/s. Change velocity to rad/s.
 
i'm retarded...

THANKS!
 
wchvball13 said:
i'm retarded...

No, no...don't be so hard on yourself. I like to refer to these moments as "Brain Farts". Not quite as permanent!
 

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