Two astronauts (figure), each having a mass of 70.0 kg, are connected by a rope
ID: 2264884 • Letter: T
Question
Two astronauts (figure), each having a mass of 70.0 kg, are connected by a
rope of negligible mass. They are isolated in space, orbiting their center of mass at speeds of 4.90 m/s.
Two astronauts (figure), each having a mass of 70.0 kg, are connected by a d = 11.0-m rope of negligible mass. They are isolated in space, orbiting their center of mass at speeds of 4.90 m/s. Treating the astronauts as particles, calculate the magnitude of the angular momentum of the two-astronaut system. kg · m2/s Calculate the rotational energy of the system. kJ By pulling on the rope, one astronaut shortens the distance between them to 5.00 m. What is the new angular momentum of the system? kg · m2/s What are the astronauts' new speeds? m/s What is the new rotational energy of the system? kJ kJ How much chemical potential energy in the body of the astronaut was converted to mechanical energy in the system when he shortened the rope?Explanation / Answer
a) L = I*? = I*v/r= where I = 2*(M*r^2)
So L = 2*M*v*r = 2*88.5kg*5.20m/s*5.0 = 4602kg-m^2/s
b) K = 1/2*I*?^2 = 1/2*(2*M*r^2)*v^2/r^2 = M*v^2 = 85.0kg*(5.20m/s)^2 = 2393J
c) I remains constant since there is no outside torque to the system L = 4602kg-m^2/s
e) Now I = 2*M*r^2 = 2*88.5*2.5^2 = 1106kg-m^2 previously I = 2*88.6*5^2 = 4425
Since I is reduced by a factor of 4 ? is increased by a factor of 4
So K = 1/2*I*?^2 = 1/2*1106*(4*5.2/2.5)^2 = 3.83x10^4J
f) the work done is the change in K = 3.38x10^4 - 2393 = 3.59x10^4J