What Is the Period of a 50-g Weight in Uniform Circular Motion?

In summary, the problem involves finding the period of a weight tied to a string twirled in uniform circular motion. The circumference of the circular path is given as 207.3 cm and the weight completes 67.1 revolutions per minute. To find the period, the units of revolutions per minute must be converted to seconds per revolution. This can be done by using the conversion factor of 1 revolution per minute equals 1/60 revolutions per second. Once the units are converted, the period can be calculated by dividing the number of seconds per revolution by the number of revolutions per second. The answer can then be checked against the textbook's answer for accuracy.
  • #1
Paulbird20
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0
Circular path---) finding period

Homework Statement



A 50-g weight tied to a string is twirled in uniform circular motion. If the circumference of the circular path is 207.3 cm and the weight completes 67.1 revolutions per minute, what is the period of the motion, in seconds?

Homework Equations



V= 2* pi* r / T
V= velocity
r= radius
T = period

The Attempt at a Solution



ok so i converted the circumference to the radius first convert to meters = 2.07300 meters

Then divide that by pi to get the diamater then by 2 to get the radius so i arrive at .330095 as the radius.

Where i am stuck is how to convert the revolutions per minute to the velocity and I am sure the weight comes into play . Any tips would be great thanks.
 
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  • #2


Think about the information you are given. What does the fact that the weight completes 67.1 revolutions per minute mean? What are the units on this, and what are the units on period?
 
  • #3


the units on period is seconds but i don't see how i can use revolutions and the weight to obtain the velocity
 
  • #4


And what are the units on the 67.1 revolutions per minute? Do you know what these units correspond to? You're trying very hard to apply a formula which isn't the best formula to apply for this given problem.
 
  • #5


because trying to find period i would have t = 2 * pi * r / v

so the meters from radius and velocity cancel leaving seconds.
But i yet to see how weight comes into play
 
  • #6


Paulbird20 said:
the units on period is seconds but i don't see how i can use revolutions and the weight to obtain the velocity

And what is the relation between the revolutions per minute and the period?
The magic of it all is that the weight doesn't come into play. :)
 
  • #7


that was the equation provided by the instructor =(
 
  • #8


Ok, the units on period are seconds but it's actually seconds/revolution, right?

Now, you have a piece of information about revolutions/minute...
 
  • #9


2pi radians = 1 revolution so that's 60 seconds per 2 pi radiants so that's 10.679 radiants
 
  • #10


Why are you converting into radians? Okay... let's see, you have the following:
[tex]\frac{67.1 Revolutions}{minute}[/tex]

Your answer is a period, which is going to be of the form
[tex]\frac{seconds}{revolution}[/tex]

So, your mission is basically to convert the first into the form of the second...
 
  • #11


Paulbird20 said:
2pi radians = 1 revolution so that's 60 seconds per 2 pi radiants so that's 10.679 radiants

Be careful, you're mixing a lot of things up.

This is what's relevant for you:

[tex]1 \frac{revolution}{minute}= \frac{2\pi radians}{60 seconds} = \tfrac{1}{60}\frac{revolutions}{second}[/tex]

What you calculated just has my head spinning. @@
 
  • #12


i got .117 for the period

67.1 * 2pi / 60 * 1/60
 
  • #13


Paulbird20 said:
i got .117 for the period

67.1 * 2pi / 60 * 1/60

That is incorrect. Remember, the period is in [tex]\frac{revolutions}{second}[/tex]
And NOT in [tex]\frac{radians}{second}[/tex]
You don't need to substitute the revolutions with [tex]2\pi[/tex]

Just for reference, I got [tex]V\approx 1.456 \tfrac{m}{s}[/tex]
What's the textbook's answer?
 
Last edited:

FAQ: What Is the Period of a 50-g Weight in Uniform Circular Motion?

How do you define a circular path?

A circular path is a route or trajectory that follows the shape of a circle, where the distance from the center of the circle remains constant at all times.

What is the significance of finding the period of a circular path?

The period of a circular path is the time it takes for an object to complete one full revolution around the circle. It is an important measurement in understanding the motion and velocity of objects on a circular path.

What are the factors that affect the period of a circular path?

The period of a circular path is affected by the radius of the circle, the speed of the object, and the gravitational force acting on the object.

How is the period of a circular path calculated?

The period of a circular path can be calculated by dividing the circumference of the circle by the velocity of the object, or by using the equation T = 2πr/v, where T is the period, r is the radius, and v is the velocity.

How is the period of a circular path used in real-world applications?

The concept of finding the period of a circular path is used in various fields, such as astronomy, engineering, and physics. It helps in predicting the motion of celestial bodies, designing circular motion systems, and understanding the behavior of objects in circular orbits.

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