Angular Velocity of the Spinning Earth

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the angular velocity of the Earth, specifically focusing on the relationship between revolutions, time, and angular measurements. Participants explore the concept of angular velocity in the context of Earth's rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how long it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution and the number of hours in a day. There is an exploration of the definition of angular velocity and how to apply it to the problem. Questions arise about the relationship between revolutions and time, as well as the appropriate units for angular velocity.

Discussion Status

Guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between revolutions and time, with participants discussing the necessary calculations to determine angular velocity. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of understanding angular velocity without complete familiarity with the concepts involved. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem, and there is a mention of constraints related to accessing tutoring resources.

Mr. Sinister
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Homework Statement


The angular velocity of the spinning Earth is approximately...
0.26 rad/hr
6.28 rad/hr
0.13 rad/hr
or none of the above
I am new at this forum as of today! I hope that somebody could show me how I should even begin this! I have no idea!

Homework Equations


1 rev/s= 2pi rad/s


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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How long does it take the Earth to make 1 revolution?
 
It should be 365 days.
 
Wait that's around the sun.
 
How many hours are in a day?
 
24 hours in a day.
 
OK, you've already stated how many radians are in 1 revolution. So what do you think you should do now? What's angular velocity mean?
 
It is the rate of change of angular position. So... The rate of change must be hmmm... I thought I had it.
 
Could the position be 1 revolution and the rate of change 24hrs.?
 
  • #10
Mr. Sinister said:
Could the position be 1 revolution and the rate of change 24hrs.?

Yes, you know it goes through 1 revolution in 24 hrs.
 
  • #11
Do I put those numbers into an equation?
 
  • #12
Well yes you could do it that way. [tex]\omega = \frac{\Delta\theta}{\Delta t}[/tex]

revolutions/hr is a way of stating angular velocity. Look at the units the answers are given in. What do you need to do to get those?
 
  • #13
Well, I believe that there is 2pi radians in a circle. That equation is the change in the angle over the change in time right? I don't know if this info even helped me?
 
  • #14
I am very grateful for your help! This is great considering the tutor room where I go on campus is insanely full with only one tutor per 30 students!
 
  • #15
Yes there are 2pi radians in a one revolution. The answer is asking for units of radians/hr. You now have everything you need. Your angular velocity is then going to be (2*pi radians)/(24 hrs) which is the change in angle over time, like you say. So what number do you get when you put that into your calculator?
 
  • #16
Mr. Sinister said:
I am very grateful for your help! This is great considering the tutor room where I go on campus is insanely full with only one tutor per 30 students!

You're welcome. Hopefully I'm being helpful.
 
  • #17
.26 rad/hr! Thanks!
 
  • #18
You were very helpful! Do you get paid for helping people? Or is it out of pure kindness? I've noticed that there is a lot of homework helpers in the staff section.
 
  • #19
I'm glad I could help. We do this on our own time for fun. :biggrin:
 
  • #20
Wow! That's Awesome! Thanks Again! I'll be back for sure at a later day!
 

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