Conservation of angular momentum explains why the contracting solar nebula's rotation rateincreased as it contracted.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant unless an external force acts upon it. As the solar nebula contracted, it began to spin faster due to the conservation of its angular momentum. Conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant unless an external torque acts upon it. As the solar nebula contracted, it became more compact and its rotation rate increased due to the conservation of angular momentum. This is similar to how ice skaters spin faster when they bring their arms closer to their bodies.

Conservation of Angular Momentum Explains Why the Contracting Solar Nebula's