What is Angular Momentum?
Angular Momentum is defined as the property of objects in rotational motion which is determined by the product of their moment of inertia and angular velocity.
When no external force is acting on a system of particles, the angular momentum in the system is found to be conserved. The total angular momentum of any composite system is equal to the sum of the angular momenta of each of its component elements, making angular momentum an extensive quantity. The total angular momentum for a continuous rigid body or fluid is the volume integral of the angular momentum density (angular momentum per unit volume in the limit as volume falls to zero).
The rotation and revolution of the Earth give one of the best examples of angular momentum. For example, the Earth’s everyday rotation around its axis represents spin angular momentum whereas its annual revolution around the Sun represents orbital angular momentum.
Angular Momentum
Angular Momentum is a kinematic characteristic of a system with one or more point masses. Angular momentum is sometimes called Rotational Momentum or Moment of Momentum, which is the rotational equivalent of linear momentum. It is an important physical quantity as it is conserved for a closed system and follows the Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum. Angular Momentum is equal to the product of the moment of inertia (I), and the angular velocity (ω), of an object in rotational motion. Angular Momentum is a vector quantity. The SI unit of angular momentum is Kg.m2.s-1
Let’s understand more concepts about angular momentum like What is Angular Momentum? Angular Momentum Formula, Unit and Dimensional formula of Angular Momentum, Spin, and Orbital angular momentum, the relation between torque and angular momentum, Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum, FAQs, and Examples of Angular Momentum.
Table of Content
- What is Angular Momentum?
- Angular Momentum Formula
- Angular Momentum of a System of Particles
- Angular Momentum of a Rigid Body
- Right-Hand Thumb Rule
- Angular Momentum and Moment of Inertia
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