A group of engineers is preparing a satellite to land by moving it 10% closer to Earth in each rotation. Which statement is correct about the rotational inertia of the satellite? O Rotational inertia first decreases and then increases as the satellite is ready to land.

O Rotational inertia decreases proportional to the decrease in the radius of rotation.

O Rotational inertia increases proportional to the decrease in the radius of rotation.

O Rotational inertia does not change because it is conserved

Explanation:

This problem is based on the conservation of angular momentum.

The  Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum states that

"The angular momentum of a system of particles around a point in a fixed inertial reference frame is conserved if there is no net external torque around that point".

The rate of rotation increases greatly when the Satelite is moved inwards by 10%, decreasing the moment of inertia. The work-done to pull in the Satelite results in an increase in rotational kinetic energy.

fgravity=10x10=100n case 1

fgravity=30x20=600n case 2

6 times more