11.1.5

Angular Momentum

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Angular momentum

Angular momentum must be conserved.

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Calculating angular momentum

  • The equation for angular momentum is:
    • angular momentum = angular velocity x moment of inertia
    • L=ωIL={\omega}I
  • Where L is the angular momentum.
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Conservation of angular momentum

  • If an ice skater draws in their arms they spin faster.
  • If they draw in their arms they decrease their moment of inertia.
  • As angular momentum must be constant and the moment of inertia has decreased the angular velocity must increase.

Angular Impulse

Angular impulse is the same as a linear impulse but it acts to turn an object.

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Angular torque

  • The equation for torque is:
    • Torque = the rate of change of angular momentum
    • τ=ΔLΔt\tau=\frac{{\Delta}L}{{\Delta}t}
  • Where τ\tau is the torque.
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Angular impulse

  • The equation for angular impulse is:
    • Impulse = torque x time
    • J=τtJ={\tau}t
  • Where J is the angular impulse.

Jump to other topics

1Measurements & Errors

2Particles & Radiation

3Waves

4Mechanics & Materials

5Electricity

6Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)

7Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)

8Nuclear Physics (A2 only)

9Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)

10Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)

11Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)

12Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)

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