A satellite in outer-space is at an initial rotation speed of ω = 4 rad/sec at t = 0. As it deploys its solar panels, it changes its rotational inertia as shown in graph below. The correct plot of magnitude of angular momentum and angular velocity as functions of time:

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Use angular momentum L⃗=r⃗×p⃗ (or L=Iω for a rigid body). During a short impact, angular momentum about a point with zero impulsive torque is conserved; use linear momentum/energy additionally where applicable. This gives B: Image 2; D: Image 4.