Conservation of Angular Momentum and Energy in a Rotating Space Station

In summary, a space station with a moment of inertia of 5,000,000 kg•m2 is rotating at an angular speed of 0.30 rad/s with 10 inhabitants in the outer ring of radius 100 m. When half of the inhabitants move to the inner ring with a radius of 50 m, the average mass of each inhabitant being 70 kg, the new angular speed of the space station is unknown. The total energy of the system has changed, and it is unclear where the lost or gained energy has come from. The sensation of gravity created by the rotation of the space station affects the apparent weight of the inhabitants on the inner and outer rings at the faster angular speed. To find the new angular
  • #1
Jenna
2
0

Homework Statement


A space station (moment of inertia 5,000,000 kg•m2) is rotating with angular speed 0.30 rad/s when the 10 inhabitants are in the outer ring (radius 100 m). One half of the inhabitants move to the inner ring (radius 50 m). The average mass of each inhabitant is 70 kg.

a. What is the new angular speed of the space station?

b. How much energy was lost or gained? Where did it go or come from?

c. The rotation of the space station creates the sensation of gravity. Determine the apparent weight of the inhabitants on the inner and outer ring at the faster angular speed.

Homework Equations


Inet=ma
krotational= 1/2I(w)^2

The Attempt at a Solution


For the first part of the problem I attempted to find initial angular speed but I wasn't sure what equation to use, could i use a modified kinematics equation?
For the second part I could use krotational to find the initial energy, but how do I find the final energy? Do i use transitional energy? (But will the astronauts be a discreet mass?)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Jenna said:
I attempted to find initial angular speed
You are given the initial angular speed.
What conservation law should you add to your list of relevant equations?
 

1. What is "inertia" in the context of a space station?

Inertia refers to the tendency of an object in motion to continue moving in the same direction and at the same speed, and an object at rest to remain stationary, unless acted upon by an external force. In the context of a space station, it refers to the resistance to change in its state of motion, whether it is moving or stationary in space.

2. How does inertia affect a space station?

Inertia has a significant impact on a space station. It allows the station to maintain its orbit around a celestial body, such as Earth, without constantly using propulsion systems. It also affects the movement of objects and astronauts inside the station, making it necessary to use special tools and techniques to overcome inertia and move around effectively.

3. Can inertia be used to conserve fuel on a space station?

Yes, inertia can be used to conserve fuel on a space station. Since the station is already in motion, it does not require continuous propulsion to maintain its orbit. This allows for significant fuel savings, which is crucial for long-term missions in space.

4. How is inertia overcome during spacewalks?

During spacewalks, astronauts use special tools and techniques to overcome inertia and move around effectively. They use tethers and handrails to anchor themselves to the space station and carefully push off surfaces to move around. They also use jetpacks to control their movements and overcome inertia.

5. Can inertia be a problem for a space station?

Inertia can present some challenges for a space station. The resistance to change in its state of motion can make it difficult to maneuver the station or change its orbit. It also affects the movement of objects and astronauts inside the station, requiring additional effort and resources to overcome it. However, with proper planning and tools, these challenges can be overcome, and inertia can be used to the station's advantage.

Similar threads

Why is mechanical energy not conserved in this setup? (frictionless spinning cylinder's motion is changed)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
339
What's the source of increase in rotational energy of carousel?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Space station angular rotation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Angular momentum and rotational energy
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Difficult problem in Rotational Mechanics JEE 2017 Comprehension paper
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
283
How Do You Correctly Cancel Angular Momentum in Physics Problems?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
225
Why can we use this approximation in rotational work-kinetic energy theorem for small displacements?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
288
Angle that makes kinetic and potential energy of simple pendulum equal
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
120
Conservation of angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
641
Determining $L_{o}$: Finding Angular Momentum of System
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
45
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top