What is the Precession Frequency of a Rotating Bicycle Wheel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the precession frequency of a rotating bicycle wheel with a mass of 7.5 kg and a radius of 53.6 cm, held by a string 20 cm from the wheel. The initial rotation speed is 402 revolutions per minute (rev/min). The user attempts to apply rotational kinematics equations, specifically using the moment of inertia for a ring, to derive the precession frequency. The equation set up involves balancing the moments of inertia and angular velocities, indicating a clear approach to solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational kinematics equations
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia for a ring/hoop
  • Familiarity with angular velocity and its conversion to rpm
  • Basic grasp of gravitational effects on rotating systems
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  • Study the derivation of the moment of inertia for different shapes, focusing on rings and hoops
  • Learn how to convert between angular velocity in radians per second and revolutions per minute
  • Explore the principles of gyroscopic precession in rotating systems
  • Practice solving problems involving rotational dynamics and precession
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of rotating systems and gyroscopic effects.

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Homework Statement


A professor holds a bicycle wheel rotating at 402 rev/min by a string attached to a weightless axle 20 cm from the wheel. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. If all 7.5 kg of the wheel can be considered to be at its 53.6 cm radius, at what frequency in rpm does it precess?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Frequency=omega
I honestly am stumped with this problem but I was thinking of using a rotational kinematics equation to solve this.
The 402 rev/min can be converted to Omega initial. We can solved for Omega final using wf^2=wi^2 +2a(delta x).
Please help if you can!
 
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Ok here's what I did.

(Mass of the wheel) * (Radius of the wheel)^2 (Omega given) - (Mass of the wheel)* (Length of the string)^2 * (Omega Unknown) = 0

(7.5 kg)(.536 m)^2(402 rev/min) - (7.5 kg) *(0.20 m)^2 * (Omega unknown) = 0

Is this the right to solve this problem? I feel as if I'm not getting/missing something.
 

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