Uniform Circular Motion of centrifuge

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the revolutions per minute (RPM) of a centrifuge based on its centripetal acceleration. The centripetal acceleration is given as 6.25 x 103 times the acceleration due to gravity, and the radius of rotation is 5.00 cm. The relevant equations include centripetal acceleration (a = v2/r) and the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity (v = ωr). The final calculation involves determining the angular velocity (ω) to find the RPM.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and its formula (a = v2/r)
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to linear velocity (v = ωr)
  • Familiarity with the concept of period (T) in circular motion
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular velocity formulas in circular motion
  • Learn how to convert angular velocity to revolutions per minute (RPM)
  • Explore the applications of centripetal acceleration in real-world centrifuge designs
  • Investigate the effects of varying radius on centripetal acceleration and RPM
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers working with rotational systems, and anyone interested in the mechanics of centrifuges and circular motion dynamics.

MetalCut
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Hi there. I need some help with this question. Can anyone help me...

A centrifuge is a device in which a small container of material is rotated at a high speed on a circular path. Suppose the centripetal acceleration of the sample is 6.25 X 103 times as large as the acceleration due to gravity. How many revolutions per minute is the sample making, if it is located at a radius of 5.00cm from the axis of rotation?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Could you please show some work or thoughts?

HINT: What is the equation for centripetal acceleration?

~H
 
The equation is a = v2/r. But what do they mean when they say the centripetal acceleration is 6.25x10 3 times as large as the acceleration due to gravity?
 
a = \left( 6.25\times 10^{3} \right)g

~H
 
So then that probably means that v2/r = (6,25x10 3)g

And the circumference of the circle its rotating in is 0,314m or 31,4cm
 
But you want to find revolutions per minute, so your next step would be calculating the angular velcoity (\omega). You will need to use;

v = \omega r

~H
 
But i can get (v) also with v=(2)(pie)(r)\T
So i still need T
 
They are effectively the same thing, but you don't need to work out v;

a = \frac{v^2}{r}

v = \omega r = \frac{2\pi r}{T}

a = \frac{\omega^2 r^2}{r}

\omega^{2} = \frac{a}{r}

\frac{2\pi}{T} = \sqrt{\frac{a}{r}}

~H
 
Thanx i think I've got it.
 

Similar threads

Replies
55
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K