Is Angular Momentum Conserved During the Changing of the String Length?

In summary, an object with mass m attached to a string with initial length R moves on a frictionless table in a circular orbit with center C. The string's length is adjustable during motion and the object has an initial velocity v and angular velocity ω. The given values are m = 500 g, v = π m/s, R = 50 cm. If the string is shortened from R to r = R/2 while the mass is moving, the new period in SI units is not 0.5 s as expected. This is because although the length of the string changes, the speed of the object does not, and there is a physical quantity that remains conserved during the changing of the length of the string. This
  • #1
AlexanderIV

Homework Statement


An object with mass m is attached to a string with initial length R, and moves on a frictionless table in a circular orbit with center C as shown in the figure. The string is also attached to the center, but its length is adjustable during the motion. The object initially moves with velocity v and angular velocity ω.
Given: m = 500 g, v = π m/s, R = 50 cm
If the length of the string is shortened from R to r = R/2 while the mass is moving, what will be the new period in SI units?

Homework Equations


T = (2πR) / v

The Attempt at a Solution


T = (2πR) / v = (2π0.5) / π = 1
=> T = (2πR/2) / v = 0.5 s

But apparently 0.5 is not the correct answer and I do not understand why.
 
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  • #2
AlexanderIV said:
T = (2πR) / v = (2π0.5) / π = 1
=> T = (2πR/2) / v = 0.5 s

But apparently 0.5 is not the correct answer and I do not understand why.
Does the speed change when the string is shortened?
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Does the speed change when the string is shortened?

No, it doesn't.
 
  • #4
AlexanderIV said:
No, it doesn't.
Can you think of any physical quantity that remains conserved during the changing of the length of the string? (Maybe it's something you have recently covered in your course.)
 

1. What is a circular orbit?

A circular orbit is a path taken by an object around another object, where the distance between the two objects remains constant and the object moves at a constant speed.

2. How is the period of a circular orbit calculated?

The period of a circular orbit can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(r^3/GM), where T is the period, r is the radius of the orbit, G is the gravitational constant, and M is the mass of the central object.

3. What factors affect the period of a circular orbit?

The period of a circular orbit is affected by the mass of the central object and the distance between the two objects. The period will increase if the mass of the central object increases or if the distance between the objects increases.

4. What is the relationship between the period and speed of a circular orbit?

The period and speed of a circular orbit are inversely related. This means that as the speed of the orbit increases, the period decreases and vice versa.

5. Can the period of a circular orbit be changed?

Yes, the period of a circular orbit can be changed by altering the speed of the orbit or changing the distance between the two objects. This can be achieved through the use of thrusters or gravitational pull from other objects.

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