IB skill practice

Apply angular momentum conservation

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 3

Conserved angular momentum final speed

A skater model in a medical linac calibration changes moment of inertia from \(3.3\,\text{kg m}^{2}\) to \(1.7\,\text{kg m}^{2}\). Initial angular speed is \(2.4\,\text{rad s}^{-1}\). With no external torque, calculate the final angular speed. Read the diagram before calculating the requested value. Enter the numerical result and choose the interpretation that matches the physics meaning.

Worked practice: physics data and result

Read the physical quantities first, then calculate the result and state what it means.