What Causes Discrepancies in Calculating Initial Angular Velocity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the initial angular velocity of a wheel with constant angular acceleration. The user successfully finds the initial velocity using one equation but struggles with another method that leads to incorrect results. The issue arises from neglecting the initial rotational velocity when applying the second equation for time. Clarification is provided that the formula for rotational velocity must include the initial velocity to yield accurate results. Understanding the correct application of these equations is crucial for solving similar problems effectively.
AlexH
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Homework Statement


A wheel rotates with a constant angular acceleration of π rad/s^2. During a certain time interval its angular displacement is π rad. At the end of the interval its angular velocity is 2π rad/s. What is its angular velocity at the beginning of the time interval?

Homework Equations


angle displacement = (initial rotational velocity * time) + 1/2(rotational acceleration)time^2
rotational velocity = rotational acceleration * time
rotational velocity^2 = (initial rot. velocity^2) + 2(rotational acceleration)(angle displacement)

The Attempt at a Solution


When plugging in the values into the third equation, I'm able to solve the problem and get the correct answer (π*sqrt2).

But I'm wondering what's wrong with my other way of doing it.
I tried solving for the time by plugging in the final velocity and acceleration into the 2nd equation (2π = π*t), which gives t = 2.
Then I plugged the values into the first equation to try to solve for the initial angular velocity (π = (initial rotational velocity x 2) + 1/2(π)2^2
But that didn't work out. Is there a reason why?

Thanks for any help!
 
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Your formula for the rotational velocity is not complete. You have ignored the initial rotational velocity in it.
 
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Orodruin said:
Your formula for the rotational velocity is not complete. You have ignored the initial rotational velocity in it.
I see, thanks!
 
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