How does moment of inertia affect angular velocity?

1 Answer
Michael
Oct 22, 2015

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Explanation:

The expression for angular momentum is:

L=Ixxomega

Where I is the moment of inertia and omega is the angular velocity.

Angular momentum is conserved so if I is decreased you can see from the expression that omega must increase.

The skater in the graphic has utilised this principle. She brings in her arms to decrease her moment of inertia. As a result her angular velocity has increased i.e she spins faster.

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