Angular Momentum
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iamabhi02Angular Momentum
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iamabhi02CUBE NOTES A P P H Y S I C S . J E E . N E E T.
G R A D E 1 1 / 1 2
Understanding Angular Momentum
1. The concept of angular momentum
2. The reference point
3. Direction of angular momentum
4. Magnitude of angular momentum
5. Alternative expressions f� angular momentum
6. Newton’s second law in angular form
7. Key formulas & equations
8. Common mistakes and misconceptions
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The concept of Angular Momentum
◦ Defined as the cross product of position vect� (r) &
linear momentum (p). In a way it quantifies the
rotational motion of an object
ℓ = r × p = m (r × v) ( Angular Momentum )
r = Position vect� from the origin
p = Linear momentum
m = Mass of the object (point mass)
v = Velocity of the object
◦ It is the rotational equivalent of linear momentum
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Angular Momentum & reference point
Angular momentum ( ℓ ) is always measured relative to a
fixed reference point. It could be any point in space. In
the adjoining diagram we have chosen the origin 'O'.
◦ Therefore, the measure and direction of ℓ depends on
the chosen reference point.
◦ Hence depending on the reference points you can get
different values of ℓ
◦ It is not necessary that the particle rotate around
origin. However, the position vect� r does rotate
around the origin.
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Direction of Angular Momentum
Use Right - Hand Rule -
1. Slide vect� p to the origin, keeping its
direction unchanged
2. Move palm of your hand, that is aligned
with vect� r, from vect� r towards p
3. Then your thumb will point in the
direction of vect� ℓ
ℓ=r×p ( ℓ is perpendicular to both r and p)
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MAGNITUDE of Angular Momentum
| ℓ | = r m v sin(ɸ) (magnitude of ℓ)
SI unit: kg·m2/s
(a) If r & p are parallel (ɸ = 0 °)
� anti -parallel (ɸ = 180 °),
sin(ɸ) = 0 � ℓ=0 (no rotation)
(b) When ɸ = 90°,
sin(ɸ) = 1 � ℓ=rmv ( ℓ) is maximum
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Alternative Expressions (a )
(a) Perpendicular Component of p form
ℓ = r p⊥ = r m v⊥ τ
(b) Perpendicular Distance from p form
(b)
ℓ = r⊥ p = r⊥ m v
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Newton’s 2nd Law (Angular Form)
F� a particle -
F net = dp /dt (Newton’s 2nd law in linear form)
drawing a parallel with the above equation
τ net = d ℓ /dt (Newton’s 2nd law in angular form)
Vect� sum of all the torques acting on a particle is equal to
the rate of change of the angular momentum of that particle
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key formulas & equations
Equation When to Use Notes
τ=r×F General definition of torque as a Torque is found as the cross product of r and
vect� quantity. F. Order matters: r × F, not F × r.
τ = r F⊥ sin ɸ To calculate the magnitude of torque ɸ is the smaller angle between r and F. If ɸ =
using the angle between r and F. 0, torque is zero (no rotation).
τ = r F⊥ To determine torque using the F⊥ = F sin ɸ, which represents the
perpendicular component of force. perpendicular component of force that
contributes to rotation.
τ = r⊥ F To determine torque using the r⊥ = r sin ɸ, which represents the moment
moment arm (shortest distance arm affecting the torque.
between point O and force).
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angular momentum - misconceptions & clarifications
1. Misconception: Angular momentum is only defined f� rotating objects and is not
applicable to objects moving in a straight line.
Clarification: Even objects traveling linearly possess angular momentum relative to a
chosen point. F� example, a particle moving past a point has angular momentum
about that point, calculated as L = m�, with m being mass, v velocity, and r the
perpendicular distance to the line of motion
2. Misconception: The direction of the angular momentum vect� is the direction the
object is spinning
Clarification: The direction is a mathematical way to describe a spinning thing. The
angular momentum vect� is perpendicular to the plane of rotation, and its direction
is determined by the right -hand rule
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angular momentum - misconceptions & clarifications
3. Misconception: Any Force Acting on an Object Produces Torque
Clarification: Torque depends on both the magnitude of the force and its line of action
relative to the pivot point. Only the component of force perpendicular to the position
vect� (moment arm) contributes to torque. Forces acting along the line connecting the
point of application to the pivot (i.e., radial forces) do not produce torque.
Understanding this distinction is vital f� correctly analyzing rotational dynamics
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angular momentum - misconceptions & clarifications
4. Misconception: Any Force Acting on an Object Produces the same angular
momentum
Clarification: Angular momentum is inherently dependent on the reference point
from which it is measured. F� a particle with position vect� r and linear momentum
p, the angular momentum L relative to a point is given by L = r × p. Changing the
reference point alters the position vect� r, thereby modifying the angular
momentum. Therefore different reference points yield different angular momentum
values.
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