# Angular Momentum

Momentum is the product of mass and the velocity of the object. Any object moving with mass possess momentum. The only difference in angular momentum is that it deals with rotating or spinning objects. So what is angular momentum? It is the rotational equivalent of linear momentum.

## What Is Angular Momentum?

If you try to get on a bicycle and try to balance without a kickstand you probably going to fall off. But once you start pedalling, these wheels pick up the angular momentum. They are going to resist the change thereby balancing gets easier.

### Angular Momentum Definition

Angular momentum definition is given as – Angular momentum is the property of any rotating object given by moment of inertia times angular velocity. It is a vector quantity. Which implies that here along with magnitude, the direction is also considered.

 Symbol The angular momentum is a vector quantity, denoted by $\vec{L}$ Units It is measured using SI base units: Kg.m2.s-1 Dimensional formula The dimensional formula is: [M][L]2[T]-1

## Angular Momentum Formula

Angular momentum can be experienced by an object in two situations. They are:

• Point object:The object accelerating around a fixed pointFor example, Earth revolving around the sun. Here the angular momentum is given by-

$\vec{L}=r\times \vec{p}$

Where,

• $\vec{L}$ is the angular velocity
• r is the radius (distance between the object and the fixed point about which it revolves)
• $\vec{p}$ is the linear momentum.

Extended object: The object, which is rotating about a fixed point.

For example, Earth rotating about its axis. Here the angular momentum is given by-

$\vec{L}=I\times \vec{\omega }$
Where,

• $\vec{L}$ is the angular momentum.
• I is the rotational inertia.
• $\vec{\omega }$ is the angular velocity.

## Angular momentum quantum number

Angular momentum quantum number synnonimous to Azimuthal quantum number or secondary quantum number. It is a quantum number of an atomic orbital which decides the angular momentum and describes the size and shape of the orbital. Typical value ranges from 0 to 1.

## Angular Momentum And Torque

Consider the same point mass attached to a string, the string is tied to a point, and now if we exert a torque on the point mass, it will start rotating around the centre,

The particle of mass m will travel with a perpendicular velocity V┴ which is the velocity that is perpendicular to the radius of the circle; r is the distance of the particle for the centre of its rotation.The magnitude of L→ is given by:

L = rmv sin ϕ = r p⊥= rmv⊥= r⊥p = r⊥mv

Where Φ is the angle between r→ and p→ , p⊥ and v⊥ are the components of p→ and v→ perpendicular to r→ .

r⊥ is the perpendicular distance between the fixed point and the extension of p→ .

Notice the equation L = r⊥mv the angular momentum of the body only changes when there is a net torque applied on it. So, when there is no torque applied the perpendicular velocity of the body will depend upon the radius of the circle. I.e. the distance from the centre of mass of the body to the centre of the circle. Thus,

• for shorter radius, velocity will be high.
• for higher radius velocity will be low.

as to conserve the angular momentum of the body.

## Right-Hand Rule

The direction of angular momentum is given by the right-hand rule. Which states that:

• If you position your right hand such that the fingers are in the direction of r.
• Then curl them around your palm such that they point towards the direction of Linear momentum(p).
• The outstretched thumb gives the direction of angular momentum(L).

## Angular Momentum Examples

We knowingly or unknowingly come across angular momentum in many instances. Some of them are explained below.

### Ice-skater

When an ice-skater goes for a spin she starts off with her hands and leg far apart from the centre of her body, but when she needs more angular velocity to spin. She gets her hands and leg closer to her body, hence her angular momentum is conserved and she spins faster.

### Gyroscope

A gyroscope uses the principle of angular momentum to maintain its orientation. It utilises a spinning wheel which has 3 degrees of freedom. When it is rotated at high speed it locks on to the orientation, and it won’t deviate from its orientation. This is useful in space applications where the attitude of a spacecraft is really important factor to be controlled. To know more about angular momentum and its application contact our mentors at BYJU’S.

## Practice Questions on Angular momentum

Q1: What is Angular Momentum?

Ans: Angular momentum is the property of a rotating body given by the product of the moment of inertia and the angular velocity of the rotating object.

Q2: Give the expression for Angular momentum.

Ans: Angular momentum formula is $\vec{L}=I\times \vec{\omega }$ or $\vec{L}=r\times \vec{p}$

Q3: For an isolated rotating body, how does angular velocity and radius are related?

Ans: For an isolated rotating body angular velocity is inversely proportional to radius.

Q4: Name two applications of angular momentum.

Ans: Ice-skating and Gyroscopes.

Q5: Write the dimensional formula for Angular momentum.

Ans: The dimensional formula for Angular momentum is ML2T-1

Q6: When an ice-skater goes for a spin, what happens to her spinning speed when she stretches her hands?

Ans: Spinnig speed reduces.

Q7: How can an ice-skater can increase his/her spinning speed?

Ans: By bringing hands closer, thus reducing the radius in creases the angular velocity.

Q8: If the moment of inertia of an isolated system is halved. What happens to its angular velocity?

Ans: Angular velocity will be doubled.

Q9: Calculate the angular moment of the object. When an object with the moment of inertia I = 5 kg.m² is made to rotate 1 rad/sec speed.

Ans: Substituting the given value in formula L=Iω we get L=5kg.m2.s-1.

Q10: Calculate the Angular momentum of a pully of 2 kg, radius 0.1 m, rotating at a constant angular velocity of 4 rad/sec.

Ans: Substitute the given values like m=2kg and r=0.1 m in I=1/2mr² (formula of the moment of inertia) we get I= 0.01 kg.m2Angular momentum is given by L=Iω, thus, substituting the values we get L=0.04kg.m².s-¹.Hope you have learnt what is angular momentum, its definition, formula, terms, units, related terminologies and their significance.

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#### Practise This Question

A body of mass 'm' and radius 'r' is released from rest along a smooth inclined plane of angle of inclination θ. The angular momentum of the body about the instantaneous point of contact after a time 't' from the instant of release is equal to? (assume the inclined to be of indefinite length)