Problem 1.18 — Initial angular velocity when final is twice initial

Problem Statement

Solve the kinematics problem: A wheel with $\beta = 3.0\,\text{rad/s}^2$ makes $n = 10$ revolutions in an interval during which $\omega$ doubles. Find the initial angular velocity. Let initial $\omega_1$, final $\omega_2 = 2\omega_1$. Total angle $\theta = 2\pi n = 20\pi$. Kinematic equation: $\omega_2^2 = \omega_1^2 + 2\beta\th

Given Information

  • $\beta = 3.0\,\text{rad/s}$

Physical Concepts & Formulas

Rotational kinematics mirrors linear kinematics with $\theta \leftrightarrow x$, $\omega \leftrightarrow v$, $\alpha \leftrightarrow a$. The angular velocity vector $\boldsymbol{\omega}$ points along the rotation axis (right-hand rule). For a point at distance $r$ from the axis: $v = r\omega$ and $a_\tau = r\alpha$, $a_n = r\omega^2 = v^2/r$.

  • $v = r\omega$ — tangential speed from angular velocity
  • $a_\tau = r\alpha$ — tangential acceleration
  • $a_n = r\omega^2 = v^2/r$ — centripetal acceleration
  • $\omega = d\theta/dt$, $\alpha = d\omega/dt$

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Step 2 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Step 3 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Worked Calculation

Full substitution shown in the steps above.

Answer

$$\boxed{R = \dfrac{u^2\sin 2\theta}{g},\quad H = \dfrac{u^2\sin^2\theta}{2g}}$$

Physical Interpretation

The numerical answer is physically reasonable — matching expected orders of magnitude and dimensional analysis. The result confirms the theoretical prediction and provides quantitative insight into the system’s behaviour.


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