Is Constant Linear Velocity Possible in Rotating Particles?

In summary, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
  • #1
SakuRERE
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If talking about a particle rotating around an axis away from it by r. if the particle is moving with constant angular velocity ω. is the linear velocity constant or no?
Now what I know is that since we have Vt= ωr, so r doesn't change, as well as ω, so Vt is said to be constant. but I think it's not right to say that the linear velocity is constant since we have continuous changing in the direction of Vt, but I believe it's a constant linear speed. so, does this mean that at (linear acceleration) is available even when the magnitude of the linear velocity is not changing only the direction does? (since any change in the direction means we have an acceleration)?
when i come to at=α t, if we have an at, then this means we have α which must be zero. so my way of thinking is wrong! right?
this means that it is only for the changing of the magnitude of velocity, right? if yes then what is the linear acceleration that is resulted from the changing of vt direction?
 
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  • #2
Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
 
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  • #3
DrClaude said:
Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero
 
  • #4
SakuRERE said:
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
 
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  • #5
In the equations that you have used.

vt = ωr
at = αr

These are not vectors. The left hand side of the first equation is not the velocity. It is the tangential speed. In the second equation, the LHS is the tangential component of the acceleration. It is not the acceleration.
The acceleration, whhich is a vector, has two components. One along the tangent and one along the radius. If the tangential component is zero, which is what happens if ω is constant, then the speed is constant. The velocity is, of course, not constant, because it is changing direction.
 
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  • #6
SakuRERE said:
but what about at = α r
at is zero and α is zero, how come at is there even when α zero

The force and the acceleration are always perpendicular to the current direction of motion, so they only change the direction, not the speed or the kinetic energy.
 
  • #7
y
jbriggs444 said:
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
yes yes exactly
 
  • #8
Chandra Prayaga said:
If the tangential component is zero, which is what happens if ω is constant
so the linear acceleration is made of two components :
1- the at the Tangential component, this is related to the magnitude of the velocity only. when there is change in vt there will be at.
2- the radial component which is directed to axis of rotation is related to the direction of the linear velocity only. so when the ω is constant and so vt is constant (α=0 --> at=0) the radial acceleration is still there directed to the axis, since we still have changing in the direction. and the radial acceleration is always there unless the ω=0 means there is no rotation at all! right?
thanks
 
  • #9
Yes. You should use subscripts carefully so as not to cause confusion. The quantities are written vt and at.
 
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  • #10
Chandra Prayaga said:
Yes. You should use subscripts carefully so as not to cause confusion. The quantities are written vt and at.
thanks so much your explanation was straight to the point.
Cutter Ketch said:
The force and the acceleration are always perpendicular to the current direction of motion, so they only change the direction, not the speed or the kinetic energy.
jbriggs444 said:
By "at" do you mean tangential acceleration?
DrClaude said:
Yes, a particle rotating with a constant angular velocity is always linearly accelerating. Changing the direction of the motion without changing the magnitude of the linear velocity still requires the application of a force.
I am literally appreciating everyone in this forum, who has the willingness to help without any return, every one of you is a lifesaver!
 
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1. Is it possible for rotating particles to have a constant linear velocity?

Yes, it is possible for rotating particles to have a constant linear velocity. This is known as uniform circular motion, where the speed and direction of the particle's motion remain constant.

2. How is constant linear velocity achieved in rotating particles?

To achieve constant linear velocity in rotating particles, the particles must be moving in a circular path with a constant radius and a constant angular speed. This means that the particles must be experiencing a balanced centripetal force, which keeps them moving in a circular path at a constant speed.

3. What factors affect the constant linear velocity of rotating particles?

The constant linear velocity of rotating particles can be affected by several factors, such as the radius of the circular path, the mass of the particles, and the angular speed. Other factors like friction and air resistance can also play a role in determining the constant linear velocity of rotating particles.

4. Is constant linear velocity possible in all rotating particles?

No, constant linear velocity is not possible in all rotating particles. It depends on the nature of the particles and the forces acting on them. For example, if a particle is experiencing an unbalanced force, its linear velocity will not remain constant.

5. What are the practical applications of constant linear velocity in rotating particles?

Constant linear velocity in rotating particles has several practical applications, such as in amusement park rides, where the motion of the ride is designed to provide a constant linear velocity for a thrilling experience. It is also essential in various engineering and industrial processes, such as centrifuges and turbines, where precise and constant rotation is required.

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