Conservation of angular momentum means that a spinning body tends to:
A)fly apart.
B)slow down.
C)wobble into an eccentric orbit.
D)gravitationally collapse.
E)keep spinning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservation of angular momentum means that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant, unless an external torque is exerted on it. In the case of a spinning body, this means that it will continue to spin at a constant rate unless an external torque (like friction with the atmosphere or collision with another object) slows it down. Therefore, the best choice is E, which states that the spinning body will keep spinning. Conservation of angular momentum means that the total angular momentum of a system is conserved. In the case of a spinning body, this means that the amount of angular momentum it possesses will remain constant unless an external torque acts upon it. Therefore, the spinning body will tend to keep spinning.

Conservation of Angular Momentum Means That a Spinning Body Tends