Speed and Revolutions

[frankfurter]

Hi,

I am not sure of an equation or a method for solving the following problem:

The Ford Taurus has a standard wheel size of 26.16 inches. Find the speed in mph of this vehicle if the wheels are turning at 800 revolutions per minute.

Thank you for your help forum.

 

[frankfurter]

would it be about 62, my friends?

 

[mmm4444bot]

… about 62 …

Hi Hot Dog:

If you were to type "about 62 mph", I would agree.

(After assuming that "wheel size" is synonymous with "tire diameter", I got 62.3 mph -- rounded.)

There's two approaches: (1) use the formulas for angular velocity and linear velocity; (2) reason it out knowing that, with each revolution, the car moves forward a distance equal to the tire circumference.

Both methods lead to the same expression, which is then converted from inches/minute to miles/hour.

Good job!