Question

As an ice skater begins a spin, his angular speed is 3.37 rad/s. After pulling in his arms, his angular speed increases to 5.54 rad/s.

Options:
a) The ice skater's angular speed remains constant.
b) The ice skater's angular speed decreases.
c) The ice skater's angular speed increases.
d) The ice skater's linear speed decreases.
e) The ice skater's linear speed remains constant.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option (c) The ice skater's angular speed increases, based on the conservation of angular momentum in Physics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the concept of angular momentum conservation in Physics, particularly within the context of a rotating system such as an ice skater. When the ice skater pulls in his arms, he decreases his moment of inertia, leading to an increase in his angular speed to conserve angular momentum, as there is no external torque acting on him.

The scenario described in the question indicates that his angular speed increases from 3.37 rad/s to 5.54 rad/s; therefore, the correct answer would be option (c) The ice skater's angular speed increases. It's important to note that the conservation of angular momentum is a crucial principle here, and it explains why the skater spins faster when their arms are pulled in closer to the axis of rotation.