A space station out beyond the solar system is rotating with constant angular velocity. A spaceship heading into the station along a diameter of the station, uses its rockets to brake, and then docks inside the station at its centre. When the spaceship docks, the angular momentum of the system consisting of the station and ship:
A)is less than the original angular momentum of the station.
B)is the same as the original angular momentum of the station.
C)is greater than the original angular momentum of the station.
D)is less than the original angular momentum of the station, but the angular velocity increases.
E)is greater than the original angular momentum of the station, but the angular velocity decreases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular momentum of the system consisting of the station and ship is conserved, meaning that it remains the same before and after the spaceship docks. Therefore, the angular momentum of the system after the spaceship docks is the same as the original angular momentum of the station. This is because the only external torque acting on the system is due to the rocket thrusters of the spaceship, which do not contribute to the angular momentum because they act along the radial direction. Thus, the answer is B.

A Space Station Out Beyond the Solar System Is Rotating