Webpage title: Understanding Angular Displacement in Circular Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding angular displacement in the context of circular motion, specifically through examples involving a yo-yo and a water wheel. Participants explore the implications of measuring angular displacement in degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question whether angular displacement should be expressed as 10 degrees or 370 degrees, considering the definitions and implications of each. There is also a discussion about the practical applications of angular displacement in different scenarios, such as the work done in circular motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the definitions of displacement and distance, and how these concepts apply to angular displacement. Some participants suggest that both 10 degrees and 370 degrees could be valid, depending on the context, while others seek clarification on the distinctions between these measurements.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the definitions of angular displacement and its relationship to total distance traveled in circular motion. Participants are also considering practical implications and judgments in measuring angular displacement.

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Homework Statement


I play swing a yo yo above my head in a circular horizontal motion.
The yoyo travels around 370 degrees.
what is the angular displacement?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



would I say the angular displacement is 10 degrees? or still 370 degrees? or would both work? which one is preferred if both work?
 
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A horse working to keep a water wheel going walks in circles. It knows the difference between 0 degrees and 36000 degrees displacement !

Idem for a sailor operating a winch: he does ten times as much work for a 3600 degree angular displacement as for a 1 full turn angular displacement. But his angular position after an integer number of turns is indistinguishable from the initial angular position.

On a practical note: it depends. So some judgment is indispensable.
 
What is the difference between displacement and distance? Can you apply the same concept to angular displacement?
 
PWiz said:
What is the difference between displacement and distance? Can you apply the same concept to angular displacement?
displacement is how the distance from starting point to ending. which is 10 degrees

distance is total distance traveled, which is 370 degrees.

but would i be wrong if i said displacement is 370 degrees?
 

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