Calculating Torque, M.o.I, and Angular Acceleration

In summary, to calculate the angular velocity (ω) of the merry-go-round, we use the formula ω = ω0 + αt, where ω0 is the initial angular velocity, α is the angular acceleration, and t is the time. In this case, ω0 is 0, α is 0.019894368 revs/s^2, and t is 25.132 seconds. This gives us an angular velocity of 0.5 rev/s. The mistake made was thinking that the 50N push was just one push and release, when in fact it is a constant force that causes the acceleration.
  • #1
Carnivroar
128
1
Torque = 2m * 50N
M.o.I = (400kg * 2m^2)/2
a = 1/8 rad/s^2 = 0.019894368 revs/s^2

I don't even know which formula to use

But I tried this one

ω= ω0 + αt

0.5rev/s = 0 + 0.019894368rev/s^2 * t

t = 23.132

That's seems like a lot of time... not sure if it's right.
 
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  • #2


You're nearly there. ω is the angular velocity, you have the revolutions per second. Now, if I remember correctly,

ω=2∏η
where ω is angular velocity
η is revolutions per second
 
  • #3


Ooops, I mean 25.132, that was a typo. Is that the correct answer?
 
  • #4


Yes, that is the answer I get, just got there in a different way.
 
  • #5


TaxOnFear said:
Yes, that is the answer I get, just got there in a different way.

Good then

I figured it out, my mistake was thinking that the 50N push was just one push and then release, so I was confused as to why the merry-go-round would accelerate.

But it's a constant 50 N force, which is why it's accelerating, did not realize that at first.

Thanks
 

FAQ: Calculating Torque, M.o.I, and Angular Acceleration

What is torque and how is it calculated?

Torque is a measure of the twisting force applied to an object. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the object by the distance from the point of rotation to where the force is applied.

What is moment of inertia and how is it calculated?

Moment of inertia, also known as rotational inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It is calculated by summing the products of each particle's mass and its square of distance from the axis of rotation.

How is angular acceleration related to torque and moment of inertia?

Angular acceleration is directly proportional to the torque applied to an object and inversely proportional to its moment of inertia. This means that a larger torque or a smaller moment of inertia will result in a greater angular acceleration.

What are the units of torque, moment of inertia, and angular acceleration?

Torque is typically measured in Newton-meters (Nm), moment of inertia in kilograms per square meter (kg/m^2), and angular acceleration in radians per second squared (rad/s^2).

Can torque and moment of inertia be negative?

Yes, torque and moment of inertia can both be negative. A negative torque indicates a counterclockwise rotation, while a negative moment of inertia indicates an object with a non-uniform mass distribution.

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