Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Angular momentum refers to the rotational equivalent of linear momentum. It describes how fast an object rotates around an axis and depends on its mass distribution and rotational speed.
Torque is the measure of how much force causes an object to rotate around an axis. It determines how quickly angular momentum changes.
Moment of inertia: Moment of inertia quantifies an object's resistance to changes in its rotation rate. Objects with larger moments of inertia require more torque to change their rotation.
Conservation of angular momentum: This principle states that if no external torques act on a system, then the total angular momentum remains constant.