Angular deceleration of a washing machine spin cycle

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the angular acceleration and time for a washing machine during the rapid spin-dry cycle, given initial angular speed and stopping distance. The formula w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ is used to find the angular acceleration, and the formula w=w_o+αt is used to find the time. The units for angles in rotational dynamics are typically measured in radians.
  • #1
Zoubayr
24
2
Homework Statement
If you lift the lid of a washing machine during the rapid
spin–dry cycle, the cycle stops (for safety), typically after 5.0
revolutions. If the clothes are spinning at 6.0 rev/s initially,
what is their constant angular acceleration during the slowing
motion? How long do they take to come to a stop?
Relevant Equations
w=w_o+αt
6.0 rev - 1 s
1 rev - 1/6
5.0 rev - (1/6) x 5 = (5/6) s = 0.833 s

I do not know how to calculate the angular acceleration
 
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  • #2
Zoubayr said:
Homework Statement:: If you lift the lid of a washing machine during the rapid
spin–dry cycle, the cycle stops (for safety), typically after 5.0
revolutions. If the clothes are spinning at 6.0 rev/s initially,
what is their constant angular acceleration during the slowing
motion? How long do they take to come to a stop?
Relevant Equations:: w=w_o+αt

6.0 rev - 1 s
1 rev - 1/6
5.0 rev - (1/6) x 5 = (5/6) s = 0.833 s

I do not know how to calculate the angular acceleration
You need a second equation since you are looking to solve two unknowns, ##\alpha## and ##t##. They give you a hint by giving you the stopping distance ##\theta##.
 
  • #3
There is another equation relating angular speeds, angular acceleration and total angle. That equation does not have time in it.
 
  • #4
malawi_glenn said:
There is another equation relating angular speeds, angular acceleration and total angle. That equation does not have time in it.
w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ
how to know the total angle θ?
 
  • #5
Zoubayr said:
w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ
how to know the total angle θ?
The angle is given. It is 5 revolutions.
 
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  • #6
bob012345 said:
The angle is given. It is 5 revolutions.
so by using the formula: w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and θ being 5 we get the answer?
 
  • #7
Zoubayr said:
so by using the formula: w^2=(w_0)^2+2αθ with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and θ being 5 we get the answer?
One of the answers. How do you get the time next?
 
  • #8
bob012345 said:
One of the answers. How do you get the time next?
using this equation: w=w_o+αt with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and α being the value calculated from the 1st part of the question.
 
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  • #9
Zoubayr said:
using this equation: w=w_o+αt with w_0 being 6.0 rev/s, w being zero and α being the value calculated from the 1st part of the question.
Note that the acceleration is a negative number from the first part giving the time as a positive number in the second part which is good.
 
  • #10
Zoubayr said:
and θ being 5 we get the answer?
What units do we measure angles with in the context of rotational dynamics?
 
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