Ttorque angular acceleration units check

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of torque to a hypothetical wheel, specifically examining the relationship between torque, moment of inertia, and angular acceleration. The context includes considerations of units in the U.S. customary system.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the resulting rotation speed of a wheel after applying a specific torque for a set duration. Some participants question the implications of starting from rest and the distinctions between pound-mass and pound-force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the effects of initial conditions on the outcome and clarifying the relationship between force and mass in the context of angular acceleration. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider the acceleration produced by the applied force.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted emphasis on the correct interpretation of units within the U.S. customary system, particularly regarding the distinction between pound-mass and pound-force, which may influence the calculations being discussed.

mstram
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Given :

A (hypothetical) wheel with a m.o.i. of 1 lb*ft^2

Radius of wheel = 1.9099 inches, therefore circumference of wheel = 1 foot

The wheel is at rest, i.e. zero rotation speed.

A torque of 1 ft/lb is applied for 1 second

Is the result a rotation of 1 r.p.s. (60 r.p.m.) ?

thx
Mike
 
Last edited:
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mstram said:
Given :

A (hypothetical) wheel with a m.o.i. of 1 lb*ft^2

Radius of wheel = 1.9099 inches, therefore circumference of wheel = 1 foot

A torque of 1 ft/lb is applied for 1 second

Is the result a rotation of 1 r.p.s. (60 r.p.m.) ?

thx
Mike
If you are working in the system of U.S. customary units then you should carefully distinguish between pound-mass and pound-force. I see at least two problems with your result. Let's start with the easier one: What acceleration is produced when one pound force acts on one pound mass?
 
Sorry, I meant to write the initial rotation of the wheel is zero (at rest).

Does that make a difference ?
 
mstram said:
Sorry, I meant to write the initial rotation of the wheel is zero (at rest).
Does that make a difference ?
It would make a difference. But It seemed clear that we were to assume a start from rest anyway.

Again, what acceleration would you expect from a one pound mass subject to a one pound force?
 

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