What Is the Period of a 50-g Weight in Uniform Circular Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 50-g weight tied to a string undergoing uniform circular motion. The task is to determine the period of the motion given the circumference of the circular path and the number of revolutions per minute.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of revolutions per minute to a period in seconds and the relevance of the weight in the calculations. There is an exploration of the relationship between the given units and the formulas applicable to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the appropriateness of certain formulas and the interpretation of units. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conversion of revolutions to a period, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the units involved and the potential confusion arising from mixing different unit types. There is also mention of an equation provided by the instructor that may not be the best fit for the problem.

Paulbird20
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Circular path---) finding period

Homework Statement



A 50-g weight tied to a string is twirled in uniform circular motion. If the circumference of the circular path is 207.3 cm and the weight completes 67.1 revolutions per minute, what is the period of the motion, in seconds?

Homework Equations



V= 2* pi* r / T
V= velocity
r= radius
T = period

The Attempt at a Solution



ok so i converted the circumference to the radius first convert to meters = 2.07300 meters

Then divide that by pi to get the diamater then by 2 to get the radius so i arrive at .330095 as the radius.

Where i am stuck is how to convert the revolutions per minute to the velocity and I am sure the weight comes into play . Any tips would be great thanks.
 
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Think about the information you are given. What does the fact that the weight completes 67.1 revolutions per minute mean? What are the units on this, and what are the units on period?
 


the units on period is seconds but i don't see how i can use revolutions and the weight to obtain the velocity
 


And what are the units on the 67.1 revolutions per minute? Do you know what these units correspond to? You're trying very hard to apply a formula which isn't the best formula to apply for this given problem.
 


because trying to find period i would have t = 2 * pi * r / v

so the meters from radius and velocity cancel leaving seconds.
But i yet to see how weight comes into play
 


Paulbird20 said:
the units on period is seconds but i don't see how i can use revolutions and the weight to obtain the velocity

And what is the relation between the revolutions per minute and the period?
The magic of it all is that the weight doesn't come into play. :)
 


that was the equation provided by the instructor =(
 


Ok, the units on period are seconds but it's actually seconds/revolution, right?

Now, you have a piece of information about revolutions/minute...
 


2pi radians = 1 revolution so that's 60 seconds per 2 pi radiants so that's 10.679 radiants
 
  • #10


Why are you converting into radians? Okay... let's see, you have the following:
[tex]\frac{67.1 Revolutions}{minute}[/tex]

Your answer is a period, which is going to be of the form
[tex]\frac{seconds}{revolution}[/tex]

So, your mission is basically to convert the first into the form of the second...
 
  • #11


Paulbird20 said:
2pi radians = 1 revolution so that's 60 seconds per 2 pi radiants so that's 10.679 radiants

Be careful, you're mixing a lot of things up.

This is what's relevant for you:

[tex]1 \frac{revolution}{minute}= \frac{2\pi radians}{60 seconds} = \tfrac{1}{60}\frac{revolutions}{second}[/tex]

What you calculated just has my head spinning. @@
 
  • #12


i got .117 for the period

67.1 * 2pi / 60 * 1/60
 
  • #13


Paulbird20 said:
i got .117 for the period

67.1 * 2pi / 60 * 1/60

That is incorrect. Remember, the period is in [tex]\frac{revolutions}{second}[/tex]
And NOT in [tex]\frac{radians}{second}[/tex]
You don't need to substitute the revolutions with [tex]2\pi[/tex]

Just for reference, I got [tex]V\approx 1.456 \tfrac{m}{s}[/tex]
What's the textbook's answer?
 
Last edited:

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