Angular Velocity: Calculate New Speed After 4 People Step On

In summary, angular velocity is a measure of the rate at which an object rotates or moves along a circular path. It is different from linear velocity as it measures rotational movement around a central point and is a vector quantity. To calculate the new speed after 4 people step on, the initial angular velocity and principle of conservation of angular momentum are used. Factors such as mass, torque, and external forces can affect angular velocity. This concept is used in various real-world applications, including vehicle and machine design, physics and engineering analysis, and sports.
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melissa_y
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A 5.4m diameter merry-go-round is rotating freely with an angular velocity of 0.730 rad/s. Its total moment of inertia is 1665kg*m2. Four people standing on the ground, each of mass 60.8kg, suddenly step onto the edge of the merry-go-round. What is the angular velocity of the merry-go-round now? Use units of "rad/s".
 
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[HINT] :: No external torque use conservation of Angular momentum ::
 
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To calculate the new angular velocity, we can use the conservation of angular momentum equation:

I₁ω₁ = I₂ω₂

Where I₁ and ω₁ are the initial moment of inertia and angular velocity, and I₂ and ω₂ are the final moment of inertia and angular velocity.

Substituting the given values, we have:

1665kg*m² * 0.730 rad/s = (1665kg*m² + 4*60.8kg*5.4m²) * ω₂

Solving for ω₂, we get:

ω₂ = (1665kg*m² * 0.730 rad/s) / (1665kg*m² + 4*60.8kg*5.4m²)

= 0.713 rad/s

Therefore, the new angular velocity of the merry-go-round after 4 people step on is 0.713 rad/s. This represents a decrease in angular velocity, as the added mass causes an increase in moment of inertia.
 

Related to Angular Velocity: Calculate New Speed After 4 People Step On

1. What is angular velocity?

Angular velocity is a measure of the rate at which an object rotates or moves along a circular path. It is usually expressed in radians per second or degrees per second.

2. How is angular velocity different from linear velocity?

Angular velocity measures the rotation or movement around a central point, while linear velocity measures the speed of an object in a straight line. Angular velocity is also a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, while linear velocity is a scalar quantity with only magnitude.

3. How can we calculate the new speed after 4 people step on?

To calculate the new speed after 4 people step on, we need to first determine the initial angular velocity of the object. Then, we can use the principle of conservation of angular momentum to calculate the final angular velocity, taking into account the added mass of the 4 people. We can then convert this final angular velocity to linear velocity to determine the new speed of the object.

4. What factors can affect angular velocity?

Angular velocity can be affected by factors such as the mass and distribution of the object, the applied torque, and external forces such as friction or air resistance. Additionally, any changes in the rotational inertia of the object can also impact its angular velocity.

5. How is angular velocity used in real-world applications?

Angular velocity is used in various real-world applications, such as in the design of vehicles, machines, and structures that involve rotational movement. It is also used in physics and engineering to analyze and understand the behavior of rotating systems, such as gyroscopes and spinning satellites. In sports, angular velocity is used to measure the speed and trajectory of objects such as golf balls and baseballs.

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