Math Problem Statement

If a truck has a wheel radius of 15 inches that is rotating at an angular speed of 75 rotations per minute, what is its linear speed in feet per second?

Solution

To find the truck's linear speed in feet per second, we follow these steps:


Step 1: Linear Speed Formula

The linear speed vv of a point on the rim of a wheel is related to the angular speed ω\omega and the radius rr by: v=rωv = r \cdot \omega

Here:

  • rr is the radius of the wheel in feet.
  • ω\omega is the angular speed in radians per second.

Step 2: Convert Radius to Feet

The radius is given as 15 inches. To convert to feet: r=1512=1.25feet.r = \frac{15}{12} = 1.25 \, \text{feet}.


Step 3: Convert Rotations per Minute to Radians per Second

The angular speed is given as 75rotations per minute (rpm)75 \, \text{rotations per minute (rpm)}. Since one rotation corresponds to 2πradians2\pi \, \text{radians}, we first convert to radians per minute: ω=75rotations/minute2πradians/rotation=150πradians/minute.\omega = 75 \, \text{rotations/minute} \cdot 2\pi \, \text{radians/rotation} = 150\pi \, \text{radians/minute}.

Next, convert minutes to seconds: ω=150π60=2.5πradians/second.\omega = \frac{150\pi}{60} = 2.5\pi \, \text{radians/second}.


Step 4: Calculate Linear Speed

Using the formula v=rωv = r \cdot \omega: v=1.252.5π=3.125πfeet/second.v = 1.25 \cdot 2.5\pi = 3.125\pi \, \text{feet/second}.

Approximating π3.1416\pi \approx 3.1416: v3.1253.14169.82feet/second.v \approx 3.125 \cdot 3.1416 \approx 9.82 \, \text{feet/second}.


Final Answer:

The truck's linear speed is approximately: 9.82feet/second.\boxed{9.82 \, \text{feet/second}}.


Would you like to go deeper into the calculations or learn about related concepts?

Here are 5 related questions for practice:

  1. If the angular speed doubles, what happens to the linear speed?
  2. How would the linear speed change if the wheel radius were 20 inches instead of 15 inches?
  3. What is the angular speed in degrees per second instead of radians per second?
  4. How far does the truck travel in one minute at this speed?
  5. What is the formula for converting linear speed back to angular speed?

Tip: Always confirm units before starting any calculation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Speed
Angular Speed
Unit Conversion

Formulas

v = r * ω
r = 15 inches / 12
ω = rotations/minute * 2π / 60

Theorems

Relationship between linear speed and angular speed

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12