Serway & Jewett — Angular Momentum: Problem 26

A puck of mass \( m_1 = 80.0 \text{ g} \) and radius \( r_1 = 4.00 \text{ cm} \) glides across an air table at a speed of \( \vec{v} = 1.50 \text{ m/s} \) as shown in Figure P11.26a. It makes a glancing collision with a second puck of radius \( r_2 = 6.00 \text{ cm} \) and mass \( m_2 = 120 \text{ g} \) (initially at rest) such that their rims just touch. Because their rims are coated with instant-acting glue, the pucks stick together and rotate after the collision (Fig. P11.26b). (a) What is the angular momentum of the system relative to the center of mass? (b) What is the angular speed about the center of mass?