Math Problem Statement

A small pulley with a radius of 10 centimeters inches is connected by a belt to a larger pulley with a radius of 24 centimeters inches. The larger pulley is connected to a motor that causes it to rotate counterclockwise at a rate of 75 rpm (revolutions per minute). Because the two pulleys are connected by the belt, the smaller pulley also rotates in the counterclockwise direction. What is the linear velocity of the rim of the large pulley in inches per minute?

Solution

To find the linear velocity of the rim of the large pulley, we use the following relationship:

Linear Velocity=Angular Velocity×Radius\text{Linear Velocity} = \text{Angular Velocity} \times \text{Radius}

Here, the angular velocity is given in revolutions per minute (rpm), and the radius is given in centimeters. To express the velocity in inches per minute, we first convert the radius from centimeters to inches.

Step 1: Convert the radius to inches

Given:

  • Radius of the large pulley, r=24r = 24 centimeters.

To convert centimeters to inches, use the conversion factor:

1 cm=0.3937 inches1 \text{ cm} = 0.3937 \text{ inches}

Thus:

r=24×0.3937=9.4488 inchesr = 24 \times 0.3937 = 9.4488 \text{ inches}

Step 2: Calculate the linear velocity

The angular velocity is given as 7575 revolutions per minute.

The linear velocity vv is calculated as:

v=ω×rv = \omega \times r

where:

  • ω=75\omega = 75 rpm (angular velocity),
  • r=9.4488r = 9.4488 inches.

Now, since 1 revolution covers a distance equal to the circumference of the pulley, which is 2πr2\pi r inches, we have:

v=75×2π×9.4488 inches per minutev = 75 \times 2\pi \times 9.4488 \text{ inches per minute}

Step 3: Compute the result

Let's compute this:

v=75×2×3.1416×9.4488v = 75 \times 2 \times 3.1416 \times 9.4488 v75×59.3613v \approx 75 \times 59.3613 v4452.0975 inches per minutev \approx 4452.0975 \text{ inches per minute}

Final Answer

The linear velocity of the rim of the large pulley is approximately 4452.10 inches per minute.

Would you like more details on any of the steps or have any questions?


Here are some related questions you might be interested in:

  1. What is the angular velocity of the smaller pulley?
  2. How does the radius of the pulley affect the linear velocity?
  3. What would happen to the linear velocity if the motor speed increased?
  4. How can you calculate the linear velocity if the radii and rpm of both pulleys are unknown?
  5. How would the direction of rotation change if the belt crossed between the pulleys?

Tip: Remember that linear velocity increases directly with both the angular velocity and the radius of the pulley.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Velocity
Angular Velocity
Unit Conversion

Formulas

Linear Velocity = Angular Velocity × Radius
1 cm = 0.3937 inches
Circumference of a Circle = 2πr

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12