Question

Compare the percent change in angular momentum of the system to the percent change in the rotational kinetic energy of the system. Explain the difference between these two values.

Answer 1

Answer:

change in the angular momentum gives a greater change in the kinetic energy since it has a quadratic dependence with the angular velocity

Explanation:

Let's write the definition of angular momentum

         L = I w

the kinetic energy is

         K = ½ I w²

         

         w = L / I

we substitute

       K = ½ I L² / I²

       K = L² / 2I

      K / L = w / 2

     

therefore a change in the angular momentum gives a greater change in the kinetic energy since it has a quadratic dependence with the angular velocity