Rotational Intertia of a rotating Space Station

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the rotational inertia of a space station influenced by four rockets exerting a force of 65.5N. The torque generated by the rockets is calculated as 2934.4 N·m, leading to the formula I = τ/α, where α is the angular acceleration of 3.63 x 10^-3 rads^-2. The resulting calculation yields a moment of inertia of 808374.7 kg·m², though there was initial confusion regarding the units. Participants confirm the method is correct, emphasizing that the proper unit for rotational inertia is kg·m².
slingshotnz
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Torque about an accelerating point
Replies
5
Views
3K
How Long Should Rockets Fire to Rotate a Space Station?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Choosing Axis of Rotation in Cylinder Oscillation Problem
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conservation laws in rotational movement
Replies
5
Views
1K
Find the acceleration of a space station
Replies
2
Views
3K
Conservation of Angular Momentum and Energy in a Rotating Space Station
Replies
1
Views
1K
How to find period of a SHM concerning a cube and spring?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Uniform rotating rod about a point at one end of the rod
Replies
3
Views
2K
Solve Torque on Cylinder Homework Problem
Replies
1
Views
3K
Rotating rod of negligible mass attached to two point masses
Replies
19
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top