Asteroid Hits Earth Conservation of angular momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the new angular speed of Earth after an asteroid, with a mass of 1.17 x 1022 kg and traveling at 1.41 x 103 m/s, collides with it. The conservation of angular momentum is applied using the equation (La)f + (Le)f = (La) + (Le)i, where Wf represents the final angular speed. The user expresses confusion over the calculated final angular speed being greater than the initial angular speed of Earth, which contradicts the expected outcome. The discussion also raises questions about the angular momentum of the asteroid pre-collision and the significance of rotation direction.

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Homework Statement



the Earth has a n angular speed of 7.272 x 10 ^ -5 rad/s in it;s rotation. Find the new angular speed if an asteroid ( m = 1.17 x 10 ^ 22kg) hits the Earth while traveling at 1.41 x10^3 m/s.
the asteroid hits the Earth dead center

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


(La)f + ( Le) f = ( La) + (Le)i
Wf( MaR + 2/5MeR^2) = maRV + 2.5MeR^2W
Wf = ( MaVa + 2/5MeRWe) / ( Ma + 2/5MeR)

this is what I have as final angular speed but it gives me an answer faster than the Earth's initial angular momentum when the books answer is slightly less than the Earth's initial answer.
 
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What's the angular momentum of the asteroid before the collision?
 
Hmmm, just my own question. Does the direction of the rotation matter?

Delzac
 

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