Difference between Angular Momentum and Linear Momentum
Angular momentum is defined as the inertia of rotation motion while Linear Momentum is defined as the inertia of translation motion. The main difference between them is the type of motion related to each momentum.
In this article, we will explore the difference between angular momentum and linear momentum in detail along with the basics of angular momentum and linear momentum.
What is Angular Momentum?
Angular momentum is a measure of an object’s rotational motion around a fixed point or axis. It is the momentum which is obtained by the inertia of rotational motion. It is denoted by L. It is given by the product of inertia and angular velocity.
Angular momentum is a vector quantity, i.e. it has both magnitude and direction. Its direction is perpendicular to the plane of rotation.
Angular Momentum Formula
The formula for the angular momentum is given by:
L = I × ?
where,
- I is the inertia
- ? is the angular velocity
What is Linear Momentum?
Linear momentum is a measure of the motion of an object in a straight line. It is the momentum which is obtained by the inertia of linear motion. It is denoted by P. Linear momentum is given by the product of mass of object and its linear velocity.
Linear momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The direction of the linear momentum vector is the same as the direction of the object’s velocity.
Linear Momentum Formula
The formula for the linear momentum is given by:
p = m × v
where,
- m is the mass of object
- v is the linear velocity of object
Difference between Angular Momentum and Linear Momentum
The below table represents the difference between angular and linear momentum.
|
Characteristics |
Angular Momentum |
Linear Momentum |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Angular momentum is a measure of an object’s rotational motion around a fixed point or axis. |
Linear momentum is a measure of an object’s motion in a straight line. |
|
Movement |
The angular momentum is rotational movement. |
The linear momentum is linear movement. |
|
Depends on |
It depends on inertia and angular velocity. |
It depends on mass of object and linear velocity. |
|
Denoted by |
It is denoted by L. |
It is denoted by p. |
|
Formula |
The formula for the angular momentum is given by: L = I ×? |
The formula for the linear momentum is given by: p = mv |
|
Unit |
The unit of angular momentum is kgm2/s. |
The unit of linear momentum is kgm/ s. |
|
Direction |
Its direction is perpendicular to the plane of rotation. |
Its direction is the same as the direction of the object’s velocity. |
|
Conservation |
According to the law of conservation of angular momentum, the total angular momentum is conserved if there are no external torques acting on the system. |
According to the law of conservation of linear momentum, the total linear momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on the system. |
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FAQs on Difference between Angular and Linear Momentum
What is the Formula of Angular Momentum?
The formula of Angular momentum is given by:
L = I × ?
What is the Main Difference Between Angular Momentum and Linear Momentum?
The main difference between angular and linear momentum is that the motion of angular momentum is rotational motion whereas the motion in linear momentum is linear motion.
What is the Formula of Linear Momentum?
The formula of linear momentum is given by:
P= m × v
What is the difference between linear motion and linear momentum?
Linear motion describes the motion of an object along a straight path whereas linear momentum describes the measure of an object’s motion in a straight line
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