What is the Angular Speed of a Pulsar?

In summary, a pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits a beam of radio waves in a searchlight manner. The time between two successive pulses for one particular pulsar is 0.0336 s. Using the formula for angular speed, the average angular speed of this pulsar can be determined to be 2π/0.0336 rad/s.
  • #1
elemnt55
7
0
A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that continuously emits a beam of radio waves in a searchlight manner. Each time the pulsar makes one revolution, the rotating beam sweeps across the earth, and the Earth receives a pulse of radio waves. For one particular pulsar, the time between two successive pulses is 0.0336 s. Determine the average angular speed (in rad/s) of this pulsar.

i got w= change in theta / change in time
6369/.0336
 
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  • #3
Are you at RIT? Physics 312?
 
  • #4
Oh, wow! I'm at RIT in Physics 312. Are we classmates?
 
  • #5
no... OU phys 201
 
  • #6
elemnt55 said:
A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that continuously emits a beam of radio waves in a searchlight manner. Each time the pulsar makes one revolution, the rotating beam sweeps across the earth, and the Earth receives a pulse of radio waves. For one particular pulsar, the time between two successive pulses is 0.0336 s. Determine the average angular speed (in rad/s) of this pulsar.

i got w= change in theta / change in time
6369/.0336
The rotation between 2 pulses is 1 revolution = [itex]2\pi[/itex] and the time it takes to make one revolution is [itex]\Delta T=0.0336s[/itex]

[tex]\omega=\frac{\Delta \Theta}{\Delta T}=\frac{2\pi}{0.0336 s}[/tex]

Not sure where you got 6369 from, but the above should give you the right answer.
 
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Related to What is the Angular Speed of a Pulsar?

What is the Angular Speed of a Pulsar?

The Angular Speed of a Pulsar is the rate at which the pulsar rotates on its axis and is typically measured in rotations per second (Hz). It is a crucial characteristic of pulsars and can provide information about their age, mass, and magnetic field.

How is the Angular Speed of a Pulsar measured?

The Angular Speed of a Pulsar is measured by observing the regular pulses of radiation emitted by the pulsar. These pulses are extremely precise and can be used to calculate the pulsar's rotational period, which is then converted into angular speed.

What is the fastest known pulsar?

The fastest known pulsar is the PSR J1748-2446ad, also known as the "millisecond pulsar". It rotates at a speed of 716 times per second, making it the fastest-spinning pulsar ever observed.

How does the Angular Speed of a Pulsar change over time?

The Angular Speed of a Pulsar can change over time due to a phenomenon called "spin-down". As the pulsar emits energy in the form of radiation, it loses rotational energy and therefore slows down its rotation. This can happen gradually over millions of years or suddenly in the event of a glitch.

What is the significance of the Angular Speed of a Pulsar?

The Angular Speed of a Pulsar is significant because it can provide insights into the pulsar's physical properties, such as its mass, magnetic field, and age. It can also be used to study the dynamics of the pulsar and its interactions with its environment.

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