What are the steps to solve a conservation of angular momentum problem?

Identify the initial and final states. 2. Determine if any external torques are acting on the system. 3. If no external torques, set initial angular momentum equal to final angular momentum ( $L_{initial} = L_{final}$ ). 4. Substitute appropriate formulas for angular momentum (e.g., $I\omega$ ). 5. Solve for the unknown variable.

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What are the steps to solve a conservation of angular momentum problem?

Identify the initial and final states. 2. Determine if any external torques are acting on the system. 3. If no external torques, set initial angular momentum equal to final angular momentum ( $L_{initial} = L_{final}$ ). 4. Substitute appropriate formulas for angular momentum (e.g., $I\omega$ ). 5. Solve for the unknown variable.

In the Skater Example, what happens to the skater's angular velocity if she decreases her moment of inertia?

The angular velocity increases.

In the Planetary Motion diagram, what force is responsible for the conservation of angular momentum?

Gravitational force.

What are the steps to solve a conservation of angular momentum problem?

1: Identify initial and final states. 2: Determine if external torque is zero. 3: Apply $L_{initial} = L_{final}$ . 4: Solve for the unknown.

How does a skater conserve angular momentum?

1: Skater starts spinning with arms out (high $I$ , low $\omega$ ). 2: Skater pulls arms in (low $I$ ). 3: Angular velocity increases to conserve angular momentum ( $L$ remains constant).