Simple rotational motion problem

[kirby27]

Two identical merry-go-rounds are rotating at the same speed. One is crowded with riding children; the other is nearly empty.

If both merry-go-rounds cut off their motors at the same time and coast to a stop, slowed only by friction (which you can assume is the same for both merry-go-rounds), which will take longer to stop?

i think the one with the people will take longer to stop because they have the same moment of inertia but the mass of the people one is larger.

 

[dacruick]

I'd agree with you. If the force of friction is the same, and the speed is the same, the heavier merry-go-round will have more angular momentum. Therefore it will take more force to stop it.