The Spinning of Ceiling Fan Blade

When you turn on your fan, it's like giving a signal to start a dance routine. The fan blades start twirling around a center point, just like a gymnast spinning on the floor. They're not just spinning randomly; they're following the rules of physics!

Centripetal Force (F): When an object rotates in a circular path, there's a force directed towards the center of that path, known as the centripetal force. For a rotating fan blade, this force keeps the blades moving in a circular motion. The formula for centripetal force (F) is:

F=m⋅r⋅ω²

Where:

F is the centripetal force. The mass of the fan blade is denoted by m. r is the distance between the axis of rotation and the fan blade and ω is the angular velocity.

Rotational Kinetic Energy (KE): Rotational kinetic energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its rotational motion. For a rotating object like a fan blade, the formula for rotational kinetic energy (KE) is:

KE=​Iω²

Where:

KE is the rotational kinetic energy.

I is the moment of inertia of the fan blade (a measure of its resistance to rotation).

ω is the angular velocity.

The spinning of a ceiling fan blade involves these principles. As the fan motor applies a torque, it causes the blades to rotate. The angular velocity determines how quickly the blades spin, and the centripetal force keeps them in a circular path. The rotational kinetic energy represents the energy associated with the spinning motion of the blades.

These equations help us understand the physics behind the spinning motion of ceiling fan blades, describing the forces and energies involved in their rotation.

 

Authors : Fatin Nur 'Arifah, Nurul Zahrina, Aliya Maisarah & Gs. Dr. Ya'akob Mansor

Tarikh Input: 20/12/2023 | Kemaskini: 20/12/2023 | emma