Question

A group of engineers is preparing a satellite to land by moving it 10% closer to Earth in each rotation. Which statement is correct about the rotational inertia of the satellite?

O Rotational inertia first decreases and then increases as the satellite is ready to land.

O Rotational inertia decreases proportional to the decrease in the radius of rotation.

O Rotational inertia increases proportional to the decrease in the radius of rotation.

O Rotational inertia does not change because it is conserved​

Answer 1

Rotational inertia first decreases and then increases as the satellite is ready to land

Step-by-step explanation:

This problem is based on the conservation of angular momentum.

What is the Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum ?

The Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum states that

"The angular momentum of a system of particles around a point in a fixed inertial reference frame is conserved if there is no net external torque around that point".

The rate of rotation increases greatly when the Satelite is moved inwards by 10%, decreasing the moment of inertia. The work-done to pull in the Satelite results in an increase in rotational kinetic energy.