University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 9 - Rotation of Rigid Bodies - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 293: Q9.6

Answer

If the angular velocity is constant, then for a point on the rim, the linear velocity must also be constant. Then the tangential acceleration is zero. The radial acceleration is equal to $\omega^2~r$, where $r$ is the radius of the flywheel. Since $\omega$ and $r$ are constant, then the radial acceleration is also constant in magnitude. Since the radial acceleration always points toward the center of the circle, the direction of the radial acceleration for a point on the rim is always changing as the flywheel rotates.

Work Step by Step

If the angular velocity is constant, then for a point on the rim, the linear velocity must also be constant. Then the tangential acceleration is zero. The radial acceleration is equal to $\omega^2~r$, where $r$ is the radius of the flywheel. Since $\omega$ and $r$ are constant, then the radial acceleration is also constant in magnitude. Since the radial acceleration always points toward the center of the circle, the direction of the radial acceleration for a point on the rim is always changing as the flywheel rotates.
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