As a rotating gas cloud contracts, it spins
A) slower due to a decrease in angular momentum.
B) faster due to conservation of angular momentum.
C) faster due to an increase in angular momentum.
D) slower due to conservation of angular momentum.
E) at a constant rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a rotating gas cloud contracts, it spins faster due to the conservation of angular momentum. This principle states that if no external torque acts on a system, the total angular momentum of the system remains constant. As the cloud contracts and its radius decreases, it must spin faster to conserve angular momentum.

As a Rotating Gas Cloud Contracts, It Spins