Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem relates torque, time, and the change in angular momentum. This is the rotational analogue of the impulse-momentum theorem in linear motion.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Torque (\( \tau \)) is defined as the rate of change of angular momentum (\( L \)).
\[ \tau = \frac{dL}{dt} \]
For a constant torque applied over a time interval \( \Delta t \), this can be written as:
\[ \tau = \frac{\Delta L}{\Delta t} \]
The change in angular momentum (\( \Delta L \)) is therefore:
\[ \Delta L = \tau \times \Delta t \]
This quantity, \( \tau \times \Delta t \), is known as angular impulse.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
We are given:
- Torque, \( \tau = 1.25 \text{ Nm} \)
- Time duration, \( \Delta t = 4 \text{ s} \)
We need to find the change in angular momentum, \( \Delta L \).
Using the formula:
\[ \Delta L = 1.25 \times 4 \]
\[ \Delta L = 5.0 \]
The units of angular momentum are kg m\(^2\) s\(^{-1}\).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The angular momentum changes by 5 kgm\(^2\) s\(^{-1}\).