We know the conservation of energy, mass, and momentum are cornerstones of science. We have studied the 'Law of conservation of angular momentum' in school physics. It also holds some surprising facts. We will see them now. Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Angular momentum is the product of the 'moment of inertia' and angular velocity. The moment of inertia plays the role of mass in a circular motion. It is roughly the product of rotating mass and its distance from the axis of rotation. Hence Angular momentum = Moment of inertia* angular velocity = constant or Mass * distance from axis*angular velocity = constant In the above formula, if one quantity increases, another quantity must decrease to keep the product constant. A dancer on an ordinary floor or ice floor sometimes spins herself. If she out-stretches her arms, she will spin slowly....
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