Rotational Momentum: Calculating Angular Speed After Cockroach Stops

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the angular speed of a lazy Susan after a cockroach stops running on it. The initial angular momentum is calculated using the cockroach's mass, speed, and the lazy Susan's rotational inertia and speed. Participants express confusion about the correct application of angular momentum principles, particularly regarding the direction of the cockroach's and the lazy Susan's motion. There is a debate about whether the angular momenta should be combined or treated separately due to their opposing directions. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in applying conservation of angular momentum to solve the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement


A Texas cockroach of mass 0.17 kg runs counterclockwise around the rim of a lazy Susan (a circular disk mounted on a vertical axle) that has radius 15 cm,rotational inertia 4.9 ✕ 10^−3 kg · m2, and frictionless bearings. The cockroach's speed (relative to the ground) is 2.0 m/s, and the lazy Susan turns clockwise with angular speed ω0 = 3.9 rad/s. The cockroach finds a bread crumb on the rim and, of course, stops.

(a) What is the angular speed of the lazy Susan after the cockroach stops?

Homework Equations


L_i = L_f
L=Iw = mvr

The Attempt at a Solution



L_i = 4.9 ✕ 10^−3 * 3.9 + .17*2.0*.15
L_f = (4.9 ✕ 10^−3)w_f

But when I solve the equations putting L_i = L_f, the w_f I get is wrong. please help!
 
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The cockroach is running counterclockwise and the table is turning clockwise, yet you added theirangular momentum. Is that right?
And what happened to the mass of the cockroach after it stopped on the turntable?
 
oh right.
are my equations right otherwise?
 
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