Linear and Angular Velocity Examples
Linear and Angular Velocity Examples
Example 1
Determine the angular displacement in radians of 6.5 revolutions.
Round to the nearest tenth.
Each revolution equals 2 radians. For 6.5 revolutions, the number of radians is 6.5 2 or 13 . 13
radians equals about 40.8 radians.
Example 2
Determine the angular velocity if 4.8 revolutions are completed in 4 seconds.
Round to the nearest tenth.
=
t
9.6
= 4 = 9.6 , t = 4
7.539822369 Use a calculator.
Example 3
AMUSEMENT PARK Jack climbs on a horse that is 12 feet from the center of a merry-go-round.
1
The merry-go-round makes 3 rotations per minute. Determine Jack’s angular velocity in radians
4
per second. Round to the nearest hundredth.
1
The merry-go-round makes 34 or 3.25 revolutions per minute. Convert revolutions per minute to radians
per second.
v=r
v = (8)(12 ) r = 8, = 12
v 301.5928947 Use a calculator.
Example 5
Refer to the application in Example 3. Determine Jack’s linear velocity.
v=r
v (12)(0.34) r = 12, = 0.34
v 4.08 Use a calculator.
Example 6
BICYCLES The tires on a bicycle have a diameter of 24 inches. If the tires are turning at a rate of
50 revolutions per minute, determine the bicycle’s speed in miles per hour (mph).
If the diameter is 24 inches, the radius is 12 inches. This measure needs to be written in miles. The rate
needs to be written in hours.
v= r
1 ft 1 mi 50 rev 2 60 min
v = 12 in. 12 in. 5280 ft 1 min 1 rev 1h
v 3.569991652 Use a calculator.