Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321993721
ISBN 13: 978-0-32199-372-4

Chapter 11 - Section 11.4 - Conservation of Angular Momentum - Conceptual Example - Page 194: 11.1

Answer

Boy: Increases $\omega$ Girl: Can't tell

Work Step by Step

Boy: The boy is on the merry-go-round, so angular momentum will be constant. Thus, when he runs to the center and decreases the moment of inertia, the angular velocity must increase for angular momentum to be conserved. Girl: She increases angular momentum by applying a torque when she jumps on. However, she also increases the moment of inertia, so we do not have enough information to tell what will happen.
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