Angular speed, acceleration, and angle of a Ferris wheel

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of angular velocity, angular acceleration, and total angle rotated by a wheel over a period of 10 seconds. It also includes a question about the constancy of angular acceleration and a correction to the previously calculated time. The final summary states that after considering the contribution from the lower limit, the correct time is 16.4 seconds.
  • #1
ac7597
126
6
Homework Statement
The county fair features a big Ferris Wheel of radius R=8 m. The drive mechanism is designed to accelerate the wheel from rest to a maximum angular speed ω=1.3 radians per second in a gradual manner: the angular speed at any time t is given by:

ω(t)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−t/τ) )
where t is the time in seconds since the ride started,
and τ=22 seconds is the so-called "time constant" of the ride; it indicates roughly the time it takes for the ride to change its speed significantly.

What is the angular speed ω of the Ferris Wheel at time t=10 seconds after it has started from rest?

What is the angular acceleration at time t=10 seconds?

What is the total angle by which the wheel rotates over this period of t=10 seconds?

How long does it take the wheel to complete its first revolution as it starts from rest?
Relevant Equations
ω(t)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−t/τ) )
ω(10)=(1.3)∗(1.0−e^(−10/22) )= 0.475 rad/s

0.475 rad/s=0 +α(10second)
α=0.0475 rad/s^2

∫ω(t)=Θ =1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) | (t=10s, t=0)
total angle by which the wheel rotates over this period of t=10 seconds = 2.55 rad

Θ= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22)
0=1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) - 2(pi)(8m)
t=34 seconds
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
angular acceleration is not 0.0475 rad/s^2. Also the time is not 34 second. I don't know why
 
  • #3
ac7597 said:
angular acceleration is not 0.0475 rad/s^2.
In finding the angular acceleration, you used an equation for constant angular acceleration. Is the angular acceleration constant in this problem?

Also the time is not 34 second. I don't know why
Did you forget the contribution from the lower limit (t = 0) when integrating ω(t) to find θ?
 
  • #4
d(ω(t))=α(t)= 1.3e^(−t/22) /22
α(10)= 1.3e^(−10/22) /22=37.5E-3 rad/s^2
 
  • #5
Θ= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) |(t, t=0)
2(pi)= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(1.3(0) + 28.6e^(-0/22))
2(pi)= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(28.6)
0= 2(pi)(8m)= 1.3t + 28.6e^(-t/22) -(28.6)- 2(pi)
t=16.4 seconds
 

FAQ: Angular speed, acceleration, and angle of a Ferris wheel

What is angular speed?

Angular speed is the rate at which an object rotates around a fixed point. It is measured in radians per second (rad/s) or revolutions per minute (rpm).

How is angular speed different from linear speed?

Angular speed measures the rotational motion of an object, while linear speed measures the straight-line motion of an object. Angular speed takes into account the distance from the center of rotation, while linear speed does not.

How is angular acceleration calculated?

Angular acceleration is the rate of change of angular velocity. It is calculated by dividing the change in angular velocity by the change in time, and is measured in radians per second squared (rad/s^2).

How does the angle of a Ferris wheel affect its angular speed and acceleration?

The angle of a Ferris wheel affects its angular speed and acceleration by changing the distance from the center of rotation. The larger the angle, the faster the angular speed and acceleration will be.

How do you calculate the angular speed and acceleration of a Ferris wheel?

The angular speed of a Ferris wheel can be calculated by dividing the total angle traveled by the time it takes to complete one rotation. The angular acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in angular velocity by the change in time. Both measures are typically expressed in radians per second (rad/s) or revolutions per minute (rpm).

Similar threads

Back
Top