What is the circumference of the track?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the circumference of a circular track based on a runner's speed and acceleration. The problem involves concepts from kinematics and circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between speed, acceleration, and the radius of the track. Some suggest using equations related to centripetal acceleration to find the radius, while others express confusion about the calculations involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify the relevant equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of centripetal acceleration, but there is no clear consensus on the calculations yet.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the equations and their application, particularly with the representation of variables and the relationship between acceleration and radius.

Brittykitty
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A student runs at a speed of 8.50 m/s on a circular track. If she accelerates a 1.03 m/s2, what is the circumference of the track?


8.5m/s*1.03m/s?
 
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The wording of the problem implies that the velocity of the girl is a constant and therefore the acceleration referred to is centripetal acceleration. There is a nice equation that expresses the relationship between radial acceleration (centripetal acceleration), velocity and the radius for motion in a circle. So all you need to do is use that to find the radius and use C = 2 \pi r to compute the radius.
 
Last edited:


Thanks! :) so it would be:

2(3.142)14?
 


Brittykitty said:
Thanks! :) so it would be:

2(3.142)14?

No, I don't get that at all. The equation I have in mind is a = \frac{v^2}{r}. That will allow you to calculate r.
 
Last edited:


That's a v squared. It doesn't come out on my computer screen.
 

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