Angular momentum
Definition
Angular momentum is the quantity of rotation an object has, which depends on its mass, shape, and rotational velocity. It is a conserved quantity in an isolated system, meaning it remains constant if no external torque acts on the system.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Angular momentum is given by the formula L = r x p, where r is the position vector and p is the linear momentum.
- In a closed system with no external forces, angular momentum remains constant (conservation of angular momentum).
- The units of angular momentum are kilogram meter squared per second (kg·m²/s).
- Angular momentum plays a crucial role in understanding planetary orbits and how they change under gravitational interactions.
- Kepler's second law of planetary motion can be derived from the conservation of angular momentum.
Review Questions
- What factors determine an object's angular momentum?
- Explain the principle of conservation of angular momentum and provide an example related to planetary motion.
- How does angular momentum relate to Kepler's laws of planetary motion?
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Related terms
Torque: a measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate.
Linear Momentum: the product of an object's mass and its velocity.
Kepler's Laws: three laws describing the motions of planets around the Sun.
