Astronaut in rotating space station

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a cylindrical space station with an astronaut climbing a spoke towards the center of rotation. The context is set in deep space, where gravitational effects are negligible. The questions focus on the change in apparent gravity due to the astronaut's movement and the trajectory of the astronaut after releasing from a spoke.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply conservation of energy to determine the change in apparent gravity and the astronaut's trajectory. They question the role of angular momentum in this scenario and why it may not be conserved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have engaged with the original poster's questions, with one noting that angular momentum is conserved for the entire system, as there is no external torque acting on it. The discussion appears to be exploring the principles of conservation laws in this context.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has not provided detailed workings for their calculations, which has prompted requests for clarification and further assistance from other participants.

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Homework Statement



cylindrical space station - large diameter, thin walled - radius r, mass M rotating in deep space, no gravity

1)radial spokes of negligible mass connect the cylinder ti the centre of motion. Astronaut mass m climbs a spoke to the centre. What is the fractional change in apparent gravity on the surface of the cylinder?

2)if the astronaut climbs halfway up a spoke and let's go, how far form the base of the spoke will he hit the cylinder? Assume the astronaut is point like..

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1) Got the answer to be 1+m/M for ratio after/before..

is this right? I applied conservation of energy rather than angular momentum...why is angular momentum not conserved?

2) How do i do this one? Consv of energy again?
 
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anyone?
 
Anyone able to help with this please? :)
 
*bump*
 
You forgot to show your work again. :)

ehild
 
Ok I didn't show because I'm just wanted to ask the following question first:

In the two cases, it is ENERGY rather than ANGULAR MOMENTUM that is conserved - yes? Why is angular momentum not conserved?
 
any ideas?
 
The angular momentum of the whole space-station+ astronaut is conserved, as there is no external torque.

ehild
 

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