Chapter 11, Problem 79GP

Competitive ice skaters commonly perform single, double, and triple axel jumps in which they rotate $1\frac{1}{2}$, $2\frac{1}{2}$, and $3\frac{1}{2}$ revolutions, respectively, about a vertical axis while airborne. For all these jumps, a typical skater remains airborne for about 0.70 s. Suppose a skater leaves the ground in an “open” position (e.g., arms outstretched) with moment of inertia I₀ and rotational frequency f₀ = 1.2 rev/s, maintaining this position for 0.10 s. The skater then assumes a “closed” position (arms brought closer) with moment of inertia I, acquiring a rotational frequency f, which is maintained for 0.50 s. Finally, the skater immediately returns to the “open” position for 0.10 s until landing (see Fig. 11–49). (a) Why is angular momentum conserved during the skaters jump? Neglect air resistance. (b) Determine the minimum rotational frequency f during the flight’s middle section for the skater to successfully complete a single and a triple axel. (c) Show that, according to this model, a skater must be able to reduce his or her moment of inertia in midflight by a factor of about 2 and 5 in order to complete a single and triple axel, respectively.