The protons and neutrons making up a nucleus are suddenly rearranging themselves so that the nucleus' moment of inertia decreases by a factor of 4. The change in the rotational kinetic energy during this process is
A) zero.
B) 2 times the initial kinetic energy of rotation.
C) 3 times the initial kinetic energy of rotation.
D) 4 times the initial kinetic energy of rotation.
E) 16 times the initial kinetic energy of rotation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rotational kinetic energy is inversely proportional to the moment of inertia. If the moment of inertia decreases by a factor of 4, the rotational kinetic energy increases by a factor of 4. The change in energy is then 3 times the initial energy.

The Protons and Neutrons Making Up a Nucleus Are Suddenly