Rotational Intertia of a rotating Space Station

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rotational inertia of a rotating space station, given the forces exerted by rockets and the resulting angular acceleration. The subject area includes concepts of rotational dynamics and torque.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of torque from the forces applied by the rockets and question the correctness of the derived units for rotational inertia. There is an exploration of the relationship between force, distance, and torque.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, providing feedback on unit correctness and discussing the implications of those units on the final answer. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance regarding unit clarification has been offered.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the correct units for moment of inertia, with specific attention to the derived units of Newtons and their implications in the context of the problem.

slingshotnz
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Homework Statement


Four rockets attached to a (wheel) space station exert a force of 65.5N to rotate it . The space station's angular velocity is increased at a constant acceleration of 3.63 x 10-3 rads-2. Each rocket is 11.2m away from the centre. Calculate the rotational inertia of the system.

Homework Equations



τ=Iα , others unknown.

The Attempt at a Solution


Torque of all 4 rockets. (65.5N * 11.2) * 4 = 2934.4N
since τ=Iα, I=τ/α hence I= 2934.4/3.63x10-3 = 808374.7Kgm2

Can anyone confirm if this is the correct method.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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The units for inertia are wrong. What are the derived units for the Newton? (Hint: F = ma)
 
Sorry Kg metres squared?. Other than that does the working look fine? I appreciate the advice.
 
Last edited:
Not sure, but I think SteamKing may be referring to this item:
slingshotnz said:
Torque of all 4 rockets. (65.5N * 11.2) * 4 = 2934.4N
force in N * distance in m gives what units?
(Your method and answer look ok.)
 
I missed the torque units. But the units for moment of inertia should be kg-m^2. OP originally had kg-m^-2.
 

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