Calculate linear momentum of earth

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the linear momentum of the Earth, given its mass and orbital radius. The problem is situated within the context of classical mechanics, specifically focusing on momentum and circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to determine the tangential velocity of the Earth to apply the momentum formula. Questions arise regarding the distance the Earth travels in its orbit and the time taken for one complete revolution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the time taken for the Earth to orbit the Sun and the distance traveled, leading to a proposed value for tangential velocity. There is acknowledgment of the calculations presented, but no consensus on the final outcome has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the Earth's orbit can be approximated as circular, and there is a focus on the necessary parameters for calculating linear momentum, including time and distance traveled.

**Mariam**
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Homework Statement


The mass of the Earth is 5.972 x 10^24 kg and its orbital radius is an average of 1.496 x 10^11 m. Calculate its linear momentum.

Homework Equations


P=mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure how to start?
Given:
mass= 5.972*10^24 kg
Radius(to travel around sun): 1.496*10^11 m
To find:
Tangential velocity and then use the p=mv formula??
 
Last edited:
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**Mariam** said:
To find:
Tangential velocity and then use the p=mv formula??

Yes. How far does the Earth travel in going around the sun once? How long does this take?
 
TSny said:
Yes. How far does the Earth travel in going around the sun once? How long does this take?

Oh, sorry I missed that we need time and then we can assume that charts travels in a circle so we find displacement then velocity...

So here is what I did:
Time=365 days*24hour*60min*60sec= 31,536,000 sec
Distance traveled= 2*pi*R= 9.4*10^11 m
Velocity= 29,806 m/s (this is tangential velocity so it is a linear velocity)
Momentum=mv= 1.78*10^29 kg*m/s
 
That looks right.
 
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