The angular acceleration and period of a pulsar

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the angular acceleration and period of a pulsar, specifically using the formula T = 2π/ω to derive angular acceleration (α). The calculated angular acceleration is α = 7.27 x 10^29 rad/s², indicating a significant deceleration. Participants highlight the challenge of expressing an infinite period in homework software, emphasizing the need for a constant angular acceleration assumption. Correct substitution and backward calculations are essential for determining initial angular speed and period.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular motion and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the formulas for angular velocity and period
  • Basic calculus for differentiation
  • Knowledge of pulsar behavior and characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of constant angular acceleration in pulsar dynamics
  • Explore the relationship between angular speed and period in rotating systems
  • Learn about the mathematical treatment of infinite limits in physics
  • Investigate the methods for calculating initial conditions in angular motion problems
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physicists, and anyone studying pulsar dynamics or angular motion in astrophysics.

Ursa
Messages
11
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits a radio beam the way a lighthouse emits a light beam. We receive a radio pulse for each rotation of the star. The period T of rotation is found by measuring the time between pulses. Suppose a pulsar has a period of rotation of T = 0.0178 s that is increasing at the rate of 9.27 x 10-8 s/y. (a) What is the pulsar's angular acceleration ? (b) If is constant, how many years from now will the pulsar stop rotating? (c) Suppose the pulsar originated in a supernova explosion seen 1160 years ago. Assuming constant \alpha , find the initial T
Relevant Equations
T=\frac {2\pi}{\omega}
for (a) ##T=\frac {2\pi}{\omega}##
$$\omega=\frac {2\pi}{T}$$
$$\frac{d \omega}{dt}=\frac {-2\pi}{T^2} \frac {dT}{dt} $$
$$\alpha=\frac {-2\pi}{(2.94*10^-15)^2} = 7.27*10^29 rad/s^2$$

for (b) I'm understand that it's infinity, because the period is increasing indefinitely, so it's slowing down forever.
But I don't know how to express that in formula, and infinity is not something I can input in the homework software.
So I must be wrong about it, but don't know how to get the correct answer.

(c) I don't have anything here.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a is wrong - do your substitution more carefully.
In b they are asking you to assume the angular acceleration is constant - not dT/dt. If you have a constant negative α, and know the angular speed now, you can work out when the angular speed becomes zero.
For c you can likewise work backwards and calculate what the angular speed was initially, then convert that to a value of T.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K