Is the Given Answer for the Classical Mechanics Problem on Earth Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a classical mechanics problem involving centripetal acceleration and gravitational force, specifically determining the radius at which free fall would be zero given certain parameters like angular velocity and mass. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation relating centripetal acceleration to gravitational acceleration, stating that for free fall to be zero, $\omega^2 r = \frac{GM}{r^2}$ must hold.
  • Another participant calculates $r^3 = 8.172587755e22 m^3/rad^2$ and derives $r = 43396349.43332 m/\sqrt[3]{rad^2}$, questioning the correctness of this answer.
  • A third participant agrees with the calculated value, noting that the unit "rad" is not a physical unit and effectively cancels out in the calculations, leading to a final value of $r = 4.3 \cdot 10^7 m$.
  • This participant expresses confusion over the discrepancy between their calculated value and a given answer of $4.4 \cdot 10^7 m$, suggesting that higher precision in the parameters might account for the difference.
  • However, they later revise their estimate to $r = 4.2 \cdot 10^7 m$, indicating uncertainty about the accuracy of the initial assumptions or calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the calculated radius, with some agreeing on the methodology but questioning the final values. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the answer.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations related to the precision of the given parameters and the assumptions made in the calculations, which may affect the final results.

WMDhamnekar
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We are given the angular velocity $\omega = 7\cdot 10^{-5}\,rad/s$ and the mass $M=6\cdot 10^{24}\,kg$.
To achieve a free fall of $0\,m/s^2$ at radius $r$ we need that the centripetal acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity,
Note that $v=\omega r$, so the centripetal acceleration is $\frac{v^2}{r}=\omega^2 r$.
The acceleration due to gravity is $\frac{GM}{r^2}$, where $G=6.67\cdot 10^{-11}$ is the gravitational constant (leaving out the unit while assuming SI units).
So:
$$\omega^2 r = \frac{GM}{r^2}$$
Solve for $r$.
 
Last edited:
Klaas van Aarsen said:
We are given the angular velocity $\omega = 7\cdot 10^{-5}\,rad/s$ and the mass $M=6\cdot 10^{24}\,kg$.
To achieve a free fall of $0\,m/s^2$ at radius $r$ we need that the centripetal acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity,
Note that $v=\omega r$, so the centripetal acceleration is $\frac{v^2}{r}=\omega^2 r$.
The acceleration due to gravity is $\frac{GM}{r^2}$, where $G=6.67\cdot 10^{-11}$ is the gravitational constant (leaving out the unit while assuming SI units).
So:
$$\omega^2 r = \frac{GM}{r^2}$$
Solve for $r$.
Hi,
So, we get $r^3 =8.172587755e22m^3/rad^2$ So,$r=43396349.43332m/\sqrt[3]{rad^2}$. Is this answer correct?
 
Dhamnekar Winod said:
Hi,
So, we get $r^3 =8.172587755e22m^3/rad^2$ So,$r=43396349.43332m/\sqrt[3]{rad^2}$. Is this answer correct?
I get the same answer.
Do note that $rad$ is not an actual physical unit, but it's a ratio. When we multiply the angular velocity (rad/s) with the radius (m), the rad unit is effectively eliminated and we get m/s.
So properly we have $r=4.3\cdot 10^7\,m$.

It means that answer 2 should be the correct answer.
Admittedly it's a bit strange that it is given as $4.4\cdot 10^7\,m$ instead of $4.3\cdot 10^7\,m$.
Since we're talking about earth, perhaps they used a mass and angular velocity with a higher precision than the ones given in the problem statement.
EDIT: Hmm... in that case we would actually get $r=4.2\cdot 10^7\,m$, so that can't be it after all.
 
Last edited:

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