Why doesn't v=a(t) consider a motor's RPM?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the equation v=(f/m)(t) in scenarios involving motors, specifically questioning how motor RPM affects velocity in electric bicycles. Participants explore the relationship between force, acceleration, and RPM, and whether the basic kinematic equation adequately captures the dynamics of motor-driven systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of applying v=(f/m)(t) to situations where force is generated by a motor, noting that velocity should also be influenced by the motor's RPM.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation v=a(t) is incorrect, proposing instead v=at.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the equation v=at only holds under the assumption of constant acceleration, which is not applicable when the force produced by the motor varies with RPM.
  • One participant proposes a scenario where both motors operate at maximum RPM and questions the implications for acceleration and force at the bicycle's wheels.
  • Another participant argues that if the motors are at maximum RPM, the acceleration would be zero due to equilibrium between the force and air resistance.
  • Further discussion highlights the importance of gearing in determining the relationship between motor RPM and bicycle speed, suggesting that optimal gearing can achieve maximum speed under specific conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the equation v=(f/m)(t) in the context of motor-driven systems. There is no consensus on how to reconcile the effects of RPM with the kinematic equations discussed.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding constant force and acceleration are challenged, and the discussion acknowledges the complexity introduced by varying forces at different RPMs. The role of gearing in the relationship between motor speed and bicycle speed is also noted as a significant factor.

david90
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Given
f=ma, f/m=a
v=a(t), v=(f/m)(t)

Is it wrong to apply "v=(f/m)(t)" to situation where the force is generated by a motor? If no, then how come "v=(f/m)(t)" doesn't consider the motor's RPM? From my understanding, velocity should also be determined by the motor's rpm. For example, an electric bicycle whose motor produces 1000N @ 100 rpm (maximum) will be faster than an electric bicycle whose motor produces 1000N @ 1 rpm (maximum). However per v=(f/m)(t), the velocity of both cases are the same assuming m and t are the same.
 
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Hmm, maybe you meant something else. If v is velocity and a is acceleration then v=a(t) is wrong.

Edit maybe you meant v=a*t
 
yes
 
david90 said:
Given
f=ma, f/m=a
v=a(t), v=(f/m)(t)

Is it wrong to apply "v=(f/m)(t)" to situation where the force is generated by a motor? If no, then how come "v=(f/m)(t)" doesn't consider the motor's RPM? From my understanding, velocity should also be determined by the motor's rpm. For example, an electric bicycle whose motor produces 1000N @ 100 rpm (maximum) will be faster than an electric bicycle whose motor produces 1000N @ 1 rpm (maximum). However per v=(f/m)(t), the velocity of both cases are the same.

Assuming that (as Dale suggests) you meant ##v=at## not ##v=a(t)##... That relation only holds when ##a## is constant for the entire time you're considering (and when the initial speed is zero as well). However, ##a## is only constant if ##F## is constant, and that's not true for the motors you're describing here. Because the force produced by the motor varies with RPM, and RPM is determined by the speed, the force and the acceleration will both change with the speed so you can't use ##v=at##.
 
What if we assume the motor in both cases are operating at their maximum rpm and the force at the bicycle's wheel is constant?
 
If they are at their maximum rpm then a=0
 
david90 said:
What if we assume the motor in both cases are operating at their maximum rpm and the force at the bicycle's wheel is constant?
If the force at the bicyle's wheel remains constant, then we reach a stable equilibrium where that force is exactly equal to the air resistance slowing the bicycle down so the net force on the bicycle is zero, meaning that the acceleration is zero and the speed no longer changes.

The gearing between the motor and bicycle's wheels matters - it controls the relationship between the speed of the bicycle and the RPM of the motor. If you get the gearing exactly right, you can arrange things so that when the engine is turning at the speed at which it generates maximum force the bicycle is moving at the speed at which produces air resistance exactly equal to the output of the motor - that will be the fastest speed achievable until you install a more powerful motor.
 
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