What is the angular velocity of the front wheels in rpm?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular velocity of the front wheels of a tractor with a diameter of 1.8 ft, given that the rear wheels, which are 4 ft in diameter, turn at 20 rpm. The linear velocity of the tractor is determined by the rear wheels' circumference, which is 12.566 ft, resulting in a speed of 4.18 ft/sec. To maintain the same linear distance, the front wheels must rotate faster due to their smaller circumference, which is 5.654 ft, leading to an angular velocity of approximately 70.4 rpm for the front wheels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry, specifically circumference calculations
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and linear velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with rotational motion principles
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and basic arithmetic operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity in rotational systems
  • Learn how to calculate the circumference of circles and its applications in physics
  • Explore the principles of kinematics as they apply to rotational motion
  • Investigate real-world applications of angular velocity in machinery and vehicles
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in mechanics, particularly those working with vehicles or machinery that involve rotational motion calculations.

tiger21
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
1. 1. The rear wheels of a tractor are 4 ft in diameter and turn at 20 rpm.

a. How fast is the tractor going (ft. per sec.)?
b. The front wheels have a diameter of only 1.8 ft. What is the linear velocity of a point on their tire treads?
c. What is the angular velocity of the front wheels in rpm?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You aren't going to even try? What is the circumference of the wheels? If they turn at 20 rpm per minute, what distance do the wheels move (at every revolution, of course, they move a distance equal to the circumference) in one minute? How far do they move in one second?
b) and c) are much the same. As the tractor moves forward, the front wheels will have to move the same distance as the rear wheels. Since the circumference of the front wheels is smaller, the front wheels will have to turn faster to cover the same distance.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
632
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
67
Views
4K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K