Introduction

In your study of linear momentum, you learned that, in the absence of an unbalanced external force, the momentum of a system remains constant. In this experiment, you will examine how the angular momentum of a rotating system responds to changes in the moment of inertia, I.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

  • Collect angle vs. time and angular velocity vs. time data for rotating systems.
  • Analyze the θ-t and ω-t graphs both before and after changes in the moment of inertia.
  • Determine the effect of changes in the moment of inertia on the angular momentum of the system.