AP®︎ Physics 1: Topic 6.4 Practice Test
Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with focused practice questions on Topic 6.4 of AP Physics 1 – Conservation of Angular Momentum.
Questions List
Topic 6.4
Question 1 Easy
Which table correctly describes the changes in the angular momentum and angular speed of the student–stool–dumbbell system about the stool’s axis?
| Angular momentum | Angular speed |
|---|---|
| Decreases | Decreases |
| Angular momentum | Angular speed |
|---|---|
| Increases | Decreases |
| Angular momentum | Angular speed |
|---|---|
| Remains Constant | Decreases |
| Angular momentum | Angular speed |
|---|---|
| Remains Constant | Increases |
What You’re Being Tested On:
Explore the learning objectives taken directly from the College Board’s AP® Physics 1 Curriculum. Ensure you’re prepared for the exact topics covered on the AP® exam, in-class tests, and quizzes, and gain confidence in your mastery of the material.
Topic 6.4: Conservation of Angular Momentum
Learning Objective: 6.4.A
Describe the behavior of a system using conservation of angular momentum.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.1
The total angular momentum of a system about a rotational axis is the sum of the angular momenta of the system’s constituent parts about that axis.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.2
Any change to a system’s angular momentum must be due to an interaction between the system and its surroundings.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.2.i
The angular impulse exerted by one object or system on a second object or system is equal and opposite to the angular impulse exerted by the second object or system on the first. This is a direct result of Newton’s third law.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.2.ii
A system may be selected so that the total angular momentum of that system is constant.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.2.iii
The angular speed of a nonrigid system may change without the angular momentum of the system changing if the system changes shape by moving mass closer to or further from the rotational axis.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.A.2.iv
If the total angular momentum of a system changes, that change will be equivalent to the angular impulse exerted on the system.
Learning Objective: 6.4.B
Describe how the selection of a system determines whether the angular momentum of that system changes.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.B.1
Angular momentum is conserved in all interactions.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.B.2
If the net external torque exerted on a selected object or rigid system is zero, the total angular momentum of that system is constant.
Essential Knowledge: 6.4.B.3
If the net external torque exerted on a selected object or rigid system is nonzero, angular momentum is transferred between the system and the environment.
