Angular acceleration of a pulsar

In summary, a pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits radio pulses with precise synchronization. The period of rotation, T, can be found by measuring the time between pulses. The pulsar in the central region of the Crab nebula has a period of rotation of T = 0.19000000 s and is observed to be increasing at the rate of 0.00000380 s/y. By using the rotational kinematic equation and solving for the angular acceleration, alpha, it was found to be -3.1689x10^-11 rad/s^2. However, the incorrect answer may be due to rounding off values for the angular velocity, W. Using more significant figures can result in a more accurate estimate.
  • #1
vertex78
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0
A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits radio pulses with precise synchronization, there being one such pulse for each rotation of the star. The period T of rotation is found by measuring the time between pulses. At present, the pulsar in the central region of the Crab nebula has a period of rotation of T = 0.19000000 s, and this is observed to be increasing at the rate of 0.00000380 s/y.

I found the angular velocity to be 33.07 rad/s, I found this by 1/T*2PI

Now I need to solve the angular velocity. I tried using the rotational kinematic equation:
Wf = Wi + alpha * t

where:
Wf = angular velocity final
Wi = angular velocity initial
alpha = angular acceleration
t = time

Since the period of rotation is increasing by 0.00000380 s/y I added this to 0.19 and then found the Wf by take 1/.19000380 *2PI

I used the angular velocity that I already solved for Wi, the 33.07 rad/s

then for the time, it would be 1 year right? But does this need to be in seconds?

So I plugged these into the equation and solved for alpha

(Wf - Wi)/t = alpha
(33.068rad/s-33.069rad/s)/31556926s = -3.1689x10^-11 rad/s^2

But this is not the correct answer. Any advice?
 
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  • #2
vertex78 said:
(Wf - Wi)/t = alpha
(33.068rad/s-33.069rad/s)/31556926s = -3.1689x10^-11 rad/s^2

But this is not the correct answer. Any advice?
Your error is in rounding off your values for W. Use many more significant figures in your calculator and you get a better estimate for the change in W.
 
  • #3


I would suggest double-checking your calculations and units to ensure accuracy. The angular velocity should be in radians per second (rad/s), not just radians (rad). Additionally, the time should be converted to seconds, as the units for angular acceleration are radians per second squared (rad/s^2).

Also, it is important to note that the angular acceleration of a pulsar is not constant and can vary over time. Therefore, the value you calculated may not accurately represent the current angular acceleration of the pulsar. Further research and observation would be needed to determine the precise angular acceleration of the pulsar.
 

What is angular acceleration?

Angular acceleration is a measure of how quickly the angular velocity of an object changes over time. It is represented by the symbol α and is measured in units of radians per second squared.

How is angular acceleration related to pulsars?

Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation. Due to their strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation, pulsars experience significant angular acceleration, causing them to spin faster and faster over time.

How is angular acceleration of a pulsar measured?

The angular acceleration of a pulsar can be measured by monitoring its rotation period over time. As the pulsar spins faster, its rotation period decreases, allowing scientists to calculate its angular acceleration.

What causes the angular acceleration of a pulsar?

The angular acceleration of a pulsar is primarily caused by the loss of rotational energy through the emission of electromagnetic radiation. This energy loss results in a decrease in the pulsar's moment of inertia, leading to an increase in its angular acceleration.

What can the study of angular acceleration of pulsars tell us about the universe?

Studying the angular acceleration of pulsars can provide insight into the physical properties of neutron stars, the behavior of strong magnetic fields, and the effects of energy loss on astronomical objects. This information can help us better understand the evolution and dynamics of the universe.

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