Escape Velocity of a spherical asteroid

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the escape velocity and gravitational acceleration of a spherical asteroid, specifically focusing on the effects of its rotation on the surface. The subject area includes concepts from gravitational physics and rotational dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate gravitational acceleration using the formula g=(G*M)/R^2 and explores the angular speed required to prevent loose rocks from flying off the surface. Some participants question the appropriateness of the equations used and suggest considering centrifugal force in the context of circular motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different perspectives on the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between angular acceleration and gravitational force, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach for part (b).

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can employ. There is an indication of frustration with the topic, suggesting it may be challenging for some participants.

SoccaCrazy24
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Consider a spherical asteroid with a radius of 5 km and a mass of 8.65x10^15 kg.
(a) What is the acceleration of gravity on the surface of this asteroid?
ANSWER: ___ m/s2
(b) Suppose the asteroid spins about an axis through its center, like the Earth, with an angular speed . What is the greatest value can have before loose rocks on the asteroid's equator begin to fly off the surface?
ANSWER: ___ rad/s

For (a) which I got right... I used the equation g=(G*M)/R^2
g=(6.67e-11*8.65e15)/(5000^2)=.023078 m/s2

For (b) I used the equation Wf^2= Wi^2 + 2*a*d and i substituted the numbers into get... Wf^2 = 0 + 2(.023037*2pi)(31415.9m*2pi) and I got it to be 95.45 rad/s and for some reason this is not right... am I even using the right equation or is there another equation i can use to get the answer such as maybe... F= (G*M*m)/R^2 ...
 
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I've got no idea what you've done in (b), but have you taken gravity into account at all?

I'd use centrifugal force.
 
Consider that, in circular motion:

[tex]a=\frac{v^2}{r}=\omega^2r[/tex]

If a > g, then what would happen?

Does this help you?

Regards,
Sam
 
so you are saying a =w^2 * r... so w = sqroot(a/r) so w= sqroot(.023037/5000) = .0021465 ?
 
already tried that method

i already tried that method greg and i got the wrong answer...im not liking this topic at all lol
 

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