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Ch 10: Dynamics of Rotational Motion
Chapter 10, Problem 10

The flywheel of an engine has moment of inertia 1.60 kg/m^2 about its rotation axis. What constant torque is required to bring it up to an angular speed of 400 rev/min in 8.00 s, starting from rest?

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Calculate the angular speed in radians per second. Since the given speed is in revolutions per minute (rev/min), convert it to radians per second using the conversion factor: \(1 \text{ rev} = 2\pi \text{ radians}\) and \(1 \text{ minute} = 60 \text{ seconds}\).
Determine the angular acceleration (\(\alpha\)) using the formula \(\alpha = \frac{\Delta \omega}{\Delta t}\), where \(\Delta \omega\) is the change in angular velocity and \(\Delta t\) is the time interval.
Use the formula for torque (\(\tau\)) related to moment of inertia (\(I\)) and angular acceleration (\(\alpha\)): \(\tau = I \cdot \alpha\).
Substitute the moment of inertia given (1.60 kg/m^2) and the calculated angular acceleration into the torque formula to find the required torque.
Ensure that the units are consistent throughout the calculations to get the torque in Newton meters (Nm).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It depends on the mass distribution relative to the axis of rotation. For a rigid body, it is calculated by summing the products of each mass element and the square of its distance from the axis. In this case, the flywheel's moment of inertia is given as 1.60 kg/m².
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Intro to Moment of Inertia

Torque

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object, causing it to rotate about an axis. It is calculated as the product of the force applied and the distance from the axis of rotation (lever arm). In this problem, we need to determine the constant torque required to accelerate the flywheel to a specified angular speed within a given time.
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Angular Acceleration

Angular acceleration is the rate of change of angular velocity over time. It is calculated by dividing the change in angular velocity by the time taken for that change. In this scenario, we need to find the angular acceleration required to increase the flywheel's speed from rest to 400 revolutions per minute in 8 seconds, which will then be used to calculate the necessary torque.
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