Two astronauts (Fig. P8.68), each having a mass M, are | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for College Physics

Chapter 8 Problem 8.69

Question

Two astronauts (Fig. P8.68), each having a mass M, are connected by a rope of length d having negligible mass. They are isolated in space, moving in circles around the point halfway between them at a speed v. (a) Calculate the magnitude of the angular momentum of the system by treating the astronauts as particles. (b) Calculate the rotational energy of the system. By pulling on the rope, the astronauts shorten the distance between them to d/2. (c) What is the new angular momentum of the system? (d) What are their new speeds? (e) What is the new rotational energy of the system? (f) How much work is done by the astronauts in shortening the rope?

Solution

Step 1 of 3)

The first step in solving 8 problem number 69 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Two astronauts (Fig. P8.68), each having a mass M, are connected by a rope of length d having negligible mass. They are isolated in space, moving in circles around the point halfway between them at a speed v. (a) Calculate the magnitude of the angular momentum of the system by treating the astronauts as particles. (b) Calculate the rotational energy of the system. By pulling on the rope, the astronauts shorten the distance between them to d/2. (c) What is the new angular momentum of the system? (d) What are their new speeds? (e) What is the new rotational energy of the system? (f) How much work is done by the astronauts in shortening the rope?
From the textbook chapter Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

Step 2 of 7)

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full solution

Title College Physics 7 
Author Raymond A. Serway
ISBN 9780495113690

Two astronauts (Fig. P8.68), each having a mass M, are

Chapter 8 textbook questions

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