Calculating Angular Speed of Venus

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the angular speed of Venus, the rotational period of 243 days is converted into seconds, resulting in an angular speed of approximately 2π/20995200 rad/s for a point on the equator. For a point at 11 degrees south latitude, while the tangential speed is affected by latitude, the angular speed remains the same as at the equator due to the proportional relationship between distance to the axis and speed. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between angular speed and tangential speed, clarifying that all points along a meridian share the same angular speed. Participants also highlight the importance of understanding the problem's requirements to avoid confusion. The conversation concludes with a consensus on the correct approach to the calculations.
Cate
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Hi all, my homework question is this:

1. What is the angular speed in rad/s of a point on the equator of venus? (Rotation period: 243 days)

2. What is the angular speed in rad/s of a point on the surface of venus at latitude 11 degress south?

I know this isn't that difficult but I can't get the answer I thought maybe you use the formula

V= square root (GM/r) and then use the formula v= rw to solve for angular speed but then that doesn't take into account the 243 days...


AS for the second question I have no idea

If anyone could point me into the right direction it would be appreciated...
 
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Cate said:
Hi all, my homework question is this:

1. What is the angular speed in rad/s of a point on the equator of venus? (Rotation period: 243 days)

2. What is the angular speed in rad/s of a point on the surface of venus at latitude 11 degress south?

I know this isn't that difficult but I can't get the answer I thought maybe you use the formula

V= square root (GM/r) and then use the formula v= rw to solve for angular speed but then that doesn't take into account the 243 days...AS for the second question I have no idea

If anyone could point me into the right direction it would be appreciated...

Think about what you are asked.

Is the question about the orbital period around the sun?

Or the rotational period about its axis?
 
o.k i solved 1. 2(pi)/ (20995200) # of seconds in 243 days.

I'm still stuck on ow to go about solving for 2.
 
could someone please explain to me how to actor 11 degrees n question #2?

Thanks
 
Cate said:
could someone please explain to me how to actor 11 degrees n question #2?

Thanks

What difference in angular rate will a point at 11 degrees rotate at?
 
A particle at some point on the equator moves around in a great circle whose circumference is equal to the circumference of the planet (by definition). So you know how much *distance* the particle moves through, and you know how much *time* it takes to do so. Sooo...

A particle at 11 degrees latitude moves around in a circle that is smaller than the equator. To figure out how to calculate this circle's radius, I would draw a diagram...there is some trigonometry involved.
 
cepheid said:
A particle at some point on the equator moves around in a great circle whose circumference is equal to the circumference of the planet (by definition). So you know how much *distance* the particle moves through, and you know how much *time* it takes to do so. Sooo...

A particle at 11 degrees latitude moves around in a circle that is smaller than the equator. To figure out how to calculate this circle's radius, I would draw a diagram...there is some trigonometry involved.

While the Tangential speed will be affected by latitude, the angular velocity will not because the distance to the axis shrinks in direct proportion to its speed with increasing latitude. All points along a meridian travel at the same Angular speed. The answer is in radians/sec the same as for part 1.
 
oh whoops...I didn't read the question properly. Didn't know we were looking for *angular* speed. Good catch.
 
cepheid said:
oh whoops...I didn't read the question properly. Didn't know we were looking for *angular* speed. Good catch.

No problem. Hated to have to give away the answer, but didn't want to confuse.

Cheers.
 
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