Question:

If the earth suddenly shrinks to \(\dfrac{1}{64}\) of its original volume, while keeping the same mass, then the duration of the day will be:
[Assume earth is a perfect sphere]

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If no external torque acts on a rotating body, angular momentum remains conserved: \[ I\omega=\text{constant} \] A decrease in radius reduces the moment of inertia and increases the angular speed.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • \(24\) hours
  • \(1.5\) hours
  • \(16\) hours
  • \(48\) hours
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Find the new radius of the Earth.
The volume of a sphere is \[ V=\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3 \] Given that the new volume is \[ V'=\frac{V}{64} \] Therefore, \[ \frac{4}{3}\pi R'^3=\frac{1}{64}\left(\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3\right) \] \[ R'^3=\frac{R^3}{64} \] Taking cube root on both sides, \[ R'=\frac{R}{4} \] Hence, the radius becomes one-fourth of its original value.

Step 2: Use conservation of angular momentum.
Since no external torque acts on the Earth, \[ I\omega=\text{constant} \] For a uniform solid sphere, \[ I=\frac{2}{5}MR^2 \] Since the mass remains unchanged, \[ I\propto R^2 \] Thus, \[ \frac{I'}{I}=\left(\frac{R'}{R}\right)^2 =\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 =\frac{1}{16} \] Therefore, \[ I'=\frac{I}{16} \] Using conservation of angular momentum, \[ I\omega=I'\omega' \] \[ I\omega=\frac{I}{16}\omega' \] \[ \omega'=16\omega \] Thus, the angular speed becomes \(16\) times the original angular speed.

Step 3: Relate angular speed to time period.
The time period of rotation is \[ T=\frac{2\pi}{\omega} \] Hence, \[ T'=\frac{2\pi}{\omega'} =\frac{2\pi}{16\omega} =\frac{T}{16} \] The present duration of a day is \[ T=24 \text{ hours} \] Therefore, \[ T'=\frac{24}{16} \] \[ T'=1.5 \text{ hours} \]

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the duration of the day will be \[ \boxed{1.5 \text{ hours}} \]
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