The Rotating Space Tether · AI Generator #GEN-E9E81A45

Physics · mechanics

Problem

A space station consists of two identical modules, each of mass M=2000  kgM = 2000\;\text{kg}, connected by a strong cable of length L=400  mL = 400\;\text{m} and negligible mass. The system rotates in space about its center of mass to provide artificial gravity. Initially, the system rotates with angular velocity ω0=0.15  rad/s\omega_0 = 0.15\;\text{rad/s}. Due to a malfunction, one module suddenly ejects half of its mass tangentially at speed v=50  m/sv = 50\;\text{m/s} relative to the module. Find the angular velocity of the remaining system immediately after the mass ejection.

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