Two ponies of equal mass are initally at diametrically opposite points on the rim of a large horizontal turntable that is turning freely on a frictionless, vertical axle through its center. The ponies simultaneously start walking toward each other across the turntable. (i) As they walk, what happens to the angular speed of the turntable?
a) it increases
b) decreases
c) it stays constant
Consider the ponies-turntable system for the following questions.
(ii) Is the mechanical energy of the system conserved?
a) Yes
b) No
(iii) Is the momentum of the system conserved?
a) Yes
b) No
(iv) Is the angular momentum of the system conserved?
a) Yes
b) No