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:

Angular momentum is defined as $\vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p}$. According to the properties of the cross product, the vector $\vec{L}$ is directed perpendicular to the plane containing the position vector $\vec{r}$ and momentum vector $\vec{p}$.