The planet's mass is Mp= 3.35x10^23 kg and its radius is Rp= 4.89x10^6 m (it may be approximated as a soild ball of uniform density). It rotates on its axis once every T= 31 hr. The asteroid has a mass of Ma= 2.03x10^17 kg and a speed of Va= 14900 m/s (which is relative to the planet's center). Its velocity vector point theta= 19(degrees) below the Eastward horizontal. The impact happens at an equatorial location.
a) calculate the planet's angular momentum (relative to its spin axis) before the impact in kg m^2/s.
b)calculate the asteroid's angular momentum relative to the planetary axis in kg m^2/s.
c)The impact is totally inelastic...the asteroid is stuck in the planet's crust. The asteroid's angular momentum makes the planet rotates faster after the impact. By how many seconds has the collision shortened the planetary day in s?
For simplicity, ignore the effect of the asteroid's mass on the planet's moment of inertia and assume: I(after)=I(b4).
2006-11-05 13:11:12 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The problem is about conservation of angular momentum. The tricky part is (b). To solve this use this definition of angular momentum and draw a picture to find out the value of r sin θ
The angular momentum of a particle of mass m with respect to a chosen origin is given by vector product L = r x p= mvr sin θ
2006-11-05 22:21:38 · answer #1 · answered by meg 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Julie, I would love to answer that question since I'm interested in the environment. Is there a way of simplifying that question?
Maybe you can click on "Add Details" and try to simplify it. Good Luck
2006-11-05 13:27:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋