Compared to most other stars, the Sun rotates relatively slowly, having an equat

Question

Compared to most other stars, the Sun rotates relatively slowly, having an equatorial rotation period of 25.05 days. It is speculated that the Sun rotates slowly because it somehow transferred much of its rotational angular momentum to the planets during the formation of the Solar System.

1. The rotational angular momentum of a spinning object is L = I where I is the moment of inertia and is the angular velocity (in radians per second). For a homogeneous sphere of radius R and mass M, I = 2MR2/5. Use this result to estimate the rotational angular momentum of the Sun.

Explanation / Answer

Angular momentum , L = I*W

where, I = (2/5)MR^2

M = 1.99*10^30 kg

R = 6.96*10^8 m

angular speed, W = 2*pi/T

where T = 25.05 days = 25.05*24*3600 s

So, L = (2/5)*(1.99*10^30)*(6.96*10^8)^2*(2*pi/(25.05*24*3600))

So, L = 1.12*10^42 kg.m2/s

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