How high does a baton twirler throw a baton in 1.111111111111 seconds?

  • Thread starter sweedeljoseph
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In summary, a baton twirler throws a spinning baton directly upward at an average angular speed of 1.80 rev/s. The baton makes four revolutions before returning to the twirler's hand. Using the equations for rotational motion, we can determine that the height to which the center of the baton travels above the point of release is equal to the distance it falls in half of the total time it spends in the air, which is 1.111111111 seconds. This can be calculated using the equations for rotational motion and the fact that the baton makes 1.8 revolutions per second.
  • #1
sweedeljoseph

Homework Statement


A baton twirler throws a spinning baton directly upward. As it goes up and returns to the twirler's hand, the baton turns through four revolutions. Ignoring air resistance and assuming that the average angular speed of the baton is 1.80 rev/s, determine the height to which the center of the baton travels above the point of release.


Homework Equations


w=[tex]\theta[/tex]/Delta t
*v=vo+at ~ w=wo+[tex]\omega[/tex]t
*v2=vo2+2ax ~ w2=wo2+2[tex]\omega[/tex][tex]\theta[/tex]
*x=vot+(1/2)at2 ~ [tex]\theta[/tex]=wot+(1/2)at2

the ones with * means i changed it to what the problem is about. means the same thing just different letters so you won't get confused i guess.


The Attempt at a Solution


you find the height which is the same as distance but how would you plug that in? would the rev/s be the velocity part? its not in m/s are you supposed to convert it or something? i know it makes 4 revolutions but i still have no idea what to do just get the answer and multiply it by 4? please help!

thank you!
sweedel joseph
 
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  • #2
Well if the baton goes through 4 revolutions in the air, and it makes 1.8 revolutions per second, then it should have stayed 4 rev /(1.8 rev/sec) = 2.22222222 seconds in the air.

So now I think you can consider the center of the baton as a particle which was shot straight up in the air and came back down in 2.2222222 seconds. So then you can find the maximum height of the particle.
 
  • #3
wait how did you find time? just divide that by 60? then that answer divide it by the total you had.

since the answer is 2.222222 just plug that into the equation to find the distance? would it be the same does it matter if its height or length? just the negative stuff right but you don't need to worry about it because its going up.
 
  • #4
I think the crux of the problem is in finding time... if you assume that the twirler holds it in the middle, spinning it, then throws it up and catches it in the same spot at the same height, then you shouldn't need to worry about how long it is or anything.

But think about it, if the baton will make 1.8 revolutions or spins every second, then 1.8 times the seconds should equal 4, since it made 4 revolutions. Solving for the seconds there i got 2.22222.

Then you could say that it went up in half the time, so that it came down in half the time, 1.1111111 seconds. Since it starts from rest at its highest point, consider it a particle that was dropped from rest and fell for 1.111111111111 seconds. The distance it fell should equal the distance from the maximum height to the twirler's hand, or what you are looking for.
 

FAQ: How high does a baton twirler throw a baton in 1.111111111111 seconds?

What is the "Baton Twirler Problem"?

The "Baton Twirler Problem" is a mathematical puzzle that involves determining the probability of catching a baton in a specific position after multiple tosses and spins. It was first introduced by mathematician Stanley Eigen in 1975.

What is the purpose of the "Baton Twirler Problem"?

The "Baton Twirler Problem" serves as an example of a complex mathematical problem that can be solved using probability and combinatorics. It also has practical applications in fields such as physics and engineering, where the understanding of projectile motion and trajectory is important.

How is the "Baton Twirler Problem" solved?

The "Baton Twirler Problem" can be solved using a combination of probability and combinatorics. The key is to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts and then use mathematical formulas to calculate the probability of catching the baton in a specific position.

What factors influence the outcome of the "Baton Twirler Problem"?

The outcome of the "Baton Twirler Problem" is influenced by several factors, including the number of tosses, the number of spins, the height and speed of the tosses, and the initial angle of the baton. These factors all affect the probability of catching the baton in a specific position.

What real-life situations can be modeled using the "Baton Twirler Problem"?

The "Baton Twirler Problem" can be used to model various real-life situations, such as predicting the trajectory of a thrown object, calculating the probability of a successful landing in a gymnastics routine, or determining the likelihood of a successful rescue by a helicopter pilot. It can also be applied in sports such as baseball and football to analyze the probability of a successful catch or pass.

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