Circular Motion Homework: Finding Period of Rotation for a Space Station

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the period of rotation for a space station with a specified radius and rotation rate. The subject area is circular motion, specifically relating to rotational dynamics and period calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between revolutions per minute and the period of rotation. There is an attempt to connect net force equations to the problem, although some participants question the relevance of this approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of the period based on the given revolutions per minute, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the need to convert revolutions per minute into a time period for one complete revolution. There is also a focus on ensuring that assumptions about the relationships between the variables are accurate.

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Homework Statement



A space station has a radius of 200 meters. An astronaut has a mass of 55 kilograms and the station rotates at 1.5 rev/min. What is the period of rotation for the station?

Homework Equations


[tex]\tau[/tex]=2[tex]\pi[/tex]r/v
a=v2/r
Fg=mg
FNET=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the FNET equation is Fsp=ma and I'm pretty sure you have to solve for [tex]\tau[/tex] but in order to do that I need to solve for a. How do I either find a velocity or acceleration to do this?
 
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Time out. This is not a Newton's Second Law problem. Just think. If the station does 1.5 revolutions in one minute, what is the period, i.e. how long does it take to make one revolution?
 
Would you just have to set it up as a proportion and find that it takes 1.5 seconds to make one revolution?
 
What kind of proportion? If (as you say) it takes 1.5 seconds to make one revolution, then it will make two revolutions in 3 seconds. But you are told that it makes 1.5 revolutions in one minute or 60 seconds. So what you say can't be right. Look at it this way: it makes 1.5 revolutions in 60 seconds. Can you find how many seconds for one revolution? It must be greater than 30 and less than 60.
 

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