Moment of Inertia: Constant Velocity in Space Without Friction

In summary, an object can be released in space with no friction and travel with a constant velocity, as long as there is no external force acting on it. However, in practice, there will always be some external forces present, such as gravity from other objects. The concept of inertia applies to this question, and in theory, an object will continue to travel with constant velocity unless an external force is applied. To make an object travel with constant velocity in space, one must stop applying any external forces. This is in accordance with Newton's first law.
  • #1
rajeshmarndi
319
0
can an object be released in space where there is no friction, to travel with a constant velocity as an force will always produce an acceleration.

as moment of inertia says if an object is flying with an velocity say 20m/s, it will continue to do so unless external force is applied.
 
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  • #2
In theory, if there is no external force, it will travel at constant velocity. In practice there will always be gravity from all the objects (stars, planets, etc.) that are in space.
 
  • #3
The word "inertia" applies to this question. The term "moment of inertia" is something different, related to rotational motion, not linear motion.
 
  • #4
what i want to ask is that in theory if a particle is applied force, it will always travel with constant acceleration proportional to the applied force.
So what has to be done to make an object travel with constant velocity in space ignoring other existing forces or gravity.
 
  • #5
If an object is moving with a given velocity and no forces are applied, it will keep moving at that velocity (Newton's first law).
 
  • #6
my question is how one can make an object to fly with a constant velocity, bcoz to make an object move, an force is necessary and a force will always make an object to either accelerate or deaccelerate.
 
  • #7
rajeshmarndi said:
my question is how one can make an object to fly with a constant velocity, bcoz to make an object move, an force is necessary and a force will always make an object to either accelerate or deaccelerate.

I think mathman answered that precisely. Do you agree?
 
  • #8
rajeshmarndi said:
my question is how one can make an object to fly with a constant velocity, bcoz to make an object move, an force is necessary and a force will always make an object to either accelerate or deaccelerate.

The object keeps accelerating as long as force is applied. You stop applying force, the object will keep moving at constant velocity.
 

FAQ: Moment of Inertia: Constant Velocity in Space Without Friction

What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It is determined by the object's mass, shape, and distribution of mass.

How is moment of inertia related to constant velocity in space?

In a frictionless environment, an object's moment of inertia will determine how easily it maintains a constant velocity in space. A larger moment of inertia will require more force to change the object's rotational motion, while a smaller moment of inertia will require less force.

What factors affect moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia is affected by an object's mass, shape, and distribution of mass. Objects with more mass or with mass distributed farther from the axis of rotation will have a larger moment of inertia.

How is moment of inertia measured?

Moment of inertia can be calculated by using the formula I = mr^2, where I is the moment of inertia, m is the mass of the object, and r is the distance from the axis of rotation to the object's mass. It can also be measured experimentally using techniques such as a torsion pendulum.

Why is moment of inertia important in physics?

Moment of inertia plays a crucial role in rotational motion and is used to analyze the behavior of objects such as wheels, gears, and satellites. It is also important in understanding concepts such as angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy.

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