Calculating Earth's Angular Momentum: A Model of a Uniform Sphere

In summary, the conversation discusses modeling the Earth as a uniform sphere and calculating its angular momentum due to its spinning motion. The Earth rotates about its axis in 86400 seconds, and a fixed point on the Earth rotates through an angle of 2pi in that time. The rotational inertia of the sphere is 2/3MR^2, and the angular momentum is (2/3)(5.97x10^24)(6.37x10^6)^2(7.27x10^-5)=1.17x10^34 kg*m^2/s. However, it is determined that the moment of inertia used is incorrect, as the Earth is not hollow.
  • #1
Bashyboy
1,421
5
The problem is:

"Model the Earth as a uniform sphere. Calculate the angular momentum of the Earth due to its spinning motion about its axis."

So, I first pointed out the the Earth rotates about its axis in 24 hrs x 3600 s / 1 hrs = 86400 s

Then I noted that a fixed point on the Earth rotates through a angle of 2pi, tracing out the circumference of the earth, in 86400s: [itex]\omega=\frac{2\pi}{86400s}=7.27\cdot 10^{-5}[/itex]

The rotational inertia of the sphere being [itex]I=2/3MR^2[/itex]

Angular momentum being [itex]L=(2/3)(5.97\cdot 10^{24})(6.37\cdot 10^6)^2(7.27\cdot 10^{-5}=1.17\cdot 10^{34} kg\cdot m^2/s[/itex] However, this answer is wrong. What did do wrong?
 
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  • #2
You've used the wrong moment of inertia. (Hint: is the Earth solid or hollow?)
 
  • #3
Hmm, it certainly isn't hollow. Thank you very much for the help.
 

1. What is the momentum of Earth?

The momentum of Earth is the product of its mass and velocity, and it is a vector quantity. This means that it has both magnitude (amount) and direction.

2. How is the momentum of Earth calculated?

The momentum of Earth can be calculated by multiplying its mass (5.97 x 10^24 kg) by its velocity (around 107,000 km/hour). This results in a momentum of approximately 6.37 x 10^29 kg·m/s.

3. Why is it important to know the momentum of Earth?

Knowing the momentum of Earth is important for understanding the motion and behavior of our planet within the larger solar system. It also plays a role in studying the interactions between Earth and other celestial bodies.

4. How does the momentum of Earth affect its orbit?

The momentum of Earth affects its orbit by determining the shape, size, and stability of its path around the sun. A change in the momentum of Earth, such as an increase in velocity, can alter its orbit and lead to changes in seasons and climate.

5. Can the momentum of Earth be changed?

Yes, the momentum of Earth can be changed by external forces such as the gravitational pull of other planets or asteroids. Human activities such as space exploration and satellite launches can also have a small impact on the momentum of Earth.

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