How Does Conservation of Angular Momentum Apply to Rotational Kinematics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of conservation of angular momentum in the context of creating artificial gravity in a rotating space station. Participants clarify that the centripetal acceleration required for artificial gravity does not need to match Earth's gravity. The importance of understanding the relationship between moment of inertia (I) and angular velocity (w) is emphasized, particularly how they change based on the distribution of mass within the station. The conversation highlights the need to analyze angular momentum as constant, allowing for calculations based on mass distribution. Overall, the thread provides insights into the physics behind rotational kinematics and artificial gravity.
cheechnchong
Messages
132
Reaction score
1
MY Question was answered! thanks to those who posted...i got the right answer from the book!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
HINT: To create the artificial gravitational force what must the centripetal acceleration of the space station be? How fast must the station be rotating to achieve this centripetal acceleration?
 
Hootenanny said:
HINT: To create the artificial gravitational force what must the centripetal acceleration of the space station be? How fast must the station be rotating to achieve this centripetal acceleration?

ohhhhhhhhh good one
 
Hootenanny said:
HINT: To create the artificial gravitational force what must the centripetal acceleration of the space station be? How fast must the station be rotating to achieve this centripetal acceleration?
Why do you need to know anything about the centripetal acceleration? The artificial gravity would not have to be the same as Earth's gravity.
 
OlderDan said:
Why do you need to know anything about the centripetal acceleration? The artificial gravity would not have to be the same as Earth's gravity.
Indeed, I was wrong. This should be treated as a conservation of angular momentum problem. Good Catch Dan, apologies to chee.
 
Hootenanny said:
Indeed, I was wrong. This should be treated as a conservation of angular momentum problem. Good Catch Dan, apologies to chee.

ok but how do i discern the what the masses are used for?? is the angular moment L = Iw ?
 
You know what I is initally. You should be able to figure out what I is if everyone is in the center. You should also be able to figure out what I is if everyone is on the outer shell.

You know Iw is constant (angular momentum is constant), so put I when everyone is in the middle over I when everyone is on the outside, you get w when everyone is on the outside over w when everyone is inside
 
Office_Shredder said:
You know what I is initally. You should be able to figure out what I is if everyone is in the center. You should also be able to figure out what I is if everyone is on the outer shell.

You know Iw is constant (angular momentum is constant), so put I when everyone is in the middle over I when everyone is on the outside, you get w when everyone is on the outside over w when everyone is inside

this is extremely clear...will try this when i get home later today! thanks and if have any probs check your PM...if you choose to :smile:
 
Hootenanny said:
Indeed, I was wrong. This should be treated as a conservation of angular momentum problem. Good Catch Dan, apologies to chee.

hey it's fine! no worries
 
Back
Top