Question

What is the angular momentum of the Moon in its orbit around Earth? (b) How does this angular momentum compare with the angular momentum of the Moon on its axis? Remember that the Moon keeps one side toward Earth at all times.

a) (a) 2.5 × 10²² kg m²/s, (b) Greater than the angular momentum on its axis
b) (a) 1.0 × 10²² kg m²/s, (b) Less than the angular momentum on its axis
c) (a) 3.0 × 10²² kg m²/s, (b) Equal to the angular momentum on its axis
d) (a) 4.0 × 10²² kg m²/s, (b) Cannot be determined without additional information

Answer 1

The angular momentum of the Moon in its orbit around Earth is greater than the angular momentum of the Moon on its axis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The angular momentum of the Moon in its orbit around Earth is greater than the angular momentum of the Moon on its axis.

This can be explained by the fact that the Moon keeps one side toward Earth at all times, which causes the distribution of mass in the Moon to be asymmetrical. As a result, the Moon's orbit around Earth contributes more to its overall angular momentum than its rotation on its axis.