Angular Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Angular Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

By conservation of angular momentum, \(I_1 \omega_1 = I_2 \omega_2\). Since \(I \propto R^2\) and \(\omega \propto 1/T\), we get \(T_2 = T_1 \left(\frac{R_2}{R_1}\right)^2 = 24 \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 = 8\text{ hrs}\).