Calculating Final Angular Velocity | Skater and Rotational Motion [Help]

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a skater rotating about a vertical axis while holding weights, and it explores the effects of changing the position of these weights on her final angular velocity. The subject area is rotational motion and angular momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of angular momentum and the implications of changing the moment of inertia due to the repositioning of weights. There are attempts to set up equations based on the initial and final states of the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on considering the total moment of inertia, while others are working through their calculations and questioning their own reasoning. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the moment of inertia of the skater's body remains constant, but the overall inertia changes due to the repositioning of the weights. There is also a mention of the specific values used in calculations, which may lead to confusion.

shinystar
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Homework Statement



A skater extends her arms horizontally, holding a 5kg mass in each hand. She is rotating about a vertical axis with an angular velocity of 1rev/s. If she drops her hands to her sides, what will the final angular velocity (in rev/s) be if her moment of inertia remains approximately constant at 5 kg.m^2, and the distance of the masses from the axis changes from 1 m to 0.1m?


Homework Equations



I tried using the conservation of momentum. I1w1=I2w2. But since the qtn states that moment of inertia is constant, isn't w1=w2?


The Attempt at a Solution



The answer is 3 rev/s but I can't seem to get it.

Hope to find help
Thank you
 
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The moment of inertia of the skater's body remains constant, but don't neglect the overall change in inertia, since she changes the position of the two masses.
 
oh ok..

but I still can't seem to solve it..

I1w1 + inertia of skater's body*w1 = inertia of skater's body*w2 + I2w2

and I = mr^2

so:

5 (1)^2 * 1 + 5*1 = 5*w2 + 5 (0.1)^2 * w2

5.05w2= 10
w2 = 1.98 rev/s

have I made any mistakes again?
 
Your nearly there, but don't forget she's holding one mass in each hand ... :wink:
 
oh ya..

Thanks for your help! =)
 
shinystar said:
oh ya..

Thanks for your help! =)

My pleasure :smile:
 

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