Scribd
Upload
45 views11 pages

Angular Momentum

Uploaded by

rajeshwaripaliwal13
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
45 views11 pages

Angular Momentum

Uploaded by

rajeshwaripaliwal13
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

Angular Momentum

Momentum is the product of mass and the velocity of the object. Any object
moving with mass possesses momentum. The only difference in angular
momentum is that it deals with rotating or spinning objects. So is it the
rotational equivalent of linear momentum?

Table of Contents:
What is Angular Momentum
Angular Momentum Formula
Angular Momentum Quantum Number
Right-Hand Rule
Examples of Angular Momentum
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Angular Momentum?
If you try to get on a bicycle and balance without a kickstand, you will probably
fall off. But once you start pedalling, these wheels pick up angular momentum.
They are going to resist change, thereby making balancing gets easier.

Angular momentum is defined as:

The property of any rotating object given by moment of inertia times angular
velocity.

It is the property of a rotating body given by the product of the moment of


inertia and the angular velocity of the rotating object. It is a vector quantity,
which implies that the direction is also considered here along with magnitude.

Symbol The angular momentum is a vector quantity, denoted by L⃗ .


Units It is measured using SI base units: kg.m2.s-1
Dimensiona The dimensional formula is: [M][L]2[T]-1
l
Angular Momentum Formula
Angular momentum can be experienced by an object in two situations. They
are:

Point object: The object accelerating around a fixed point. For example, Earth
revolving around the sun. Here the angular momentum is given by:
⃗
L= ⃗
R×⃗
P

Where,
 ⃗L is the angular momentum
 r is the radius (distance between the object and the fixed point about
which it revolves)
 ⃗P is the linear momentum.

Extended object: The object, which is rotating about a fixed point. For
example, Earth rotates about its axis. Here the angular momentum is given by:
⃗
L= ⃗I ×⃗
w

Where,
 L⃗ is the angular momentum
 I is the rotational inertia.
 ⃗
w is the angular velocity
Vector

Angular momentum (L)

Point object Extended object


Angular Momentum Quantum Number
Angular momentum quantum number is synonymous with Azimuthal quantum
number or secondary quantum number. It is a quantum number of an atomic
orbital that decides the angular momentum and describes the size and shape of
the orbital. The typical value ranges from 0 to 1.
Right-Hand Rule

The direction of angular momentum is given by the right-hand rule, which


states that:

 If you position your right hand such that the fingers are in the direction of
r.
 Then curl them around your palm such that they point towards the
direction of Linear momentum(p).
 The outstretched thumb gives the direction of angular momentum(L).
Examples of Angular Momentum
We knowingly or unknowingly come across this property in many instances.
Some examples are explained below.

Ice-skater
When an ice-skater goes for a spin she starts off with her hands and legs far
apart from the centre of her body. But when she needs more angular velocity to
spin, she gets her hands and leg closer to her body. Hence, her angular
momentum is conserved, and she spins faster.

Ice-skater

Gyroscope
A gyroscope uses the principle of angular momentum to maintain its orientation.
It utilises a spinning wheel that has 3 degrees of freedom. When it is rotated at
high speed it locks on to the orientation, and it won’t deviate from its
orientation. This is useful in space applications where the attitude of a
spacecraft is a really important factor to be controlled.
gyroscope

You might also like