Circular Motion Homework: Finding Period of Rotation for a Space Station

In summary, the problem involves finding the period of rotation for a space station with a radius of 200 meters and an astronaut with a mass of 55 kilograms. The station rotates at 1.5 rev/min and the equations used include \tau=2\pir/v, a=v2/r, Fg=mg, and FNET=ma. The solution requires finding the time it takes for the station to make one full revolution, which can be found by setting up a proportion and solving for the unknown value.
  • #1
cheerspens
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Homework Statement



A space station has a radius of 200 meters. An astronaut has a mass of 55 kilograms and the station rotates at 1.5 rev/min. What is the period of rotation for the station?

Homework Equations


[tex]\tau[/tex]=2[tex]\pi[/tex]r/v
a=v2/r
Fg=mg
FNET=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the FNET equation is Fsp=ma and I'm pretty sure you have to solve for [tex]\tau[/tex] but in order to do that I need to solve for a. How do I either find a velocity or acceleration to do this?
 
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  • #2
Time out. This is not a Newton's Second Law problem. Just think. If the station does 1.5 revolutions in one minute, what is the period, i.e. how long does it take to make one revolution?
 
  • #3
Would you just have to set it up as a proportion and find that it takes 1.5 seconds to make one revolution?
 
  • #4
What kind of proportion? If (as you say) it takes 1.5 seconds to make one revolution, then it will make two revolutions in 3 seconds. But you are told that it makes 1.5 revolutions in one minute or 60 seconds. So what you say can't be right. Look at it this way: it makes 1.5 revolutions in 60 seconds. Can you find how many seconds for one revolution? It must be greater than 30 and less than 60.
 

FAQ: Circular Motion Homework: Finding Period of Rotation for a Space Station

What is circular motion?

Circular motion is a type of motion in which an object moves along a circular path at a constant speed. This motion is characterized by a constantly changing direction of the object's velocity, while its speed remains the same.

What is the centripetal force in circular motion?

The centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is responsible for continuously changing the direction of the object's velocity.

How is centripetal force calculated?

The centripetal force can be calculated using the formula F = mv²/r, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, v is its velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

What is the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, while centrifugal force is the apparent outward force that an object experiences as a result of its circular motion. Centrifugal force is not a true force, but rather a perceived effect of an object's inertia.

How does circular motion affect velocity and acceleration?

In circular motion, the velocity of an object is constantly changing in direction but remains constant in magnitude. This means that the object is accelerating, as acceleration is defined as any change in velocity. The acceleration in circular motion is always directed towards the center of the circle and is called centripetal acceleration.

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