Exploring Angular Velocity

Brennen Blotner

Due Date: 2/5/16

The objective of this experiment was to explore angular velocity through application. In the experiment,
students got in groups of at least 4, with one person as the center, and performed two trials, one of at
least three revolutions and one of at least seven revolutions. The time was recorded, as well as the
radius to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th person. The final trial consisted of a ten student chain, with three
revolutions and the radius measured to the 3 rd, 6th, and 9th person. The mathematical relationships
involved with this experiment are the relations from linear displacement/velocity/acceleration to their
angular counterparts, as well as centripetal acceleration.

How does angular velocity and angular displacement vary from its linear counterparts?

Angular displacement corresponds to linear displacement (x), and angular velocity corresponds
to linear velocity (v).

How does angular velocity and angular displacement change with radius length?

As radius increases, a greater distance must be traveled to keep the same angular displacement
and velocity (the converse is also true).

Linear velocity is being calculated as distance per time. is being calculated as /t.

Radius Radius Radius Revolutions x Angular Linear ac

1 2 3 displacemen velocity
t
Trial 1 .44 m .94 m 1.61 m 3 0 0 2.29 1.42 3.26
(13.24s m/s rad/s m/s2
)
Trial 2 .44 m .94 m 1.61 m 7 0 0 2.46 1.53 3.76
(28.76s m/s rad/s m/s2
)
Trial 3 1.33 m 2.67 m 4m 3 0 0 2.95 .73 2.18
(25.53) m/s rad/s m/s2

Radius has a relative error of .001 m. Time has a relative error of .001 s.
In summary, this lab showed us angular velocity in application, and literally put us into this application.
The experience of the different velocities, linear and angular, and centripetal acceleration with the
different trials allowed us to actually experience the differences and give us a better idea of the concepts
of angular velocity and acceleration.