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Set 9 Problem number 2


Problem

An object moves around a circle of radius 6.9 meters, making a revolution every 6.1 seconds. Assume that its angular velocity is constant. Starting at t = 0, when its angular position is 0 radians, what are the x and y coordinates of its position after (1/12)( 6.1) seconds, and after (5/8)( `period) seconds?

Solution

After (1/12)( 6.1) seconds, starting at 0 radians when t = 0, the angular position will be 1/12 of a complete circle, or `theta1 = (1/12)(2 `pi ) radians = `pi /6 radians.

This is a familiar angle, 30 degrees above the x axis, with sine equal to 1/2 and cosine equal to `sqrt(3) / 2. On a circle of radius 6.9 meters, the x and y coordinates will therefore be

x1 = 6.9 meters (`sqrt(3) / 2) = 5.975 meters

and

y1 = 6.9 meters (1/2) = 3.45 meters.

After (5/8)( 6.1 seconds), the angular position will be

`theta1 = (5/8)(2 `pi radians) = 5 `pi /4 radians.

This is a third-quadrant angle at 45 degrees from the x axis, with both sine and cosine equal to -`sqrt(2) / 2. On a circle of radius 6.9 meters, the x and y coordinates will therefore be

x2 = 6.9 meters (-`sqrt(2) / 2) = -4.88 meters

and

y2 = 6.9 meters (-`sqrt(2) / 2) = -4.88 meters.

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