Angular Momentum

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

What is Angular Momentum?

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

Angular momentum is defined as:

The property of any rotating object given by moment of inertia times angular velocity.

It is the property of a rotating body given by the product of the moment of inertia and the angular velocity of the rotating object. It is a vector quantity, which implies that the direction is also considered here along with magnitude.

Symbol	The angular momentum is a vector quantity, denoted by $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}\end{array}$
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 point. For example, Earth revolving around the sun. Here the angular momentum is given by:

$\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}=\overrightarrow{�}\times \overrightarrow{�}\end{array}$

Where,

• $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}���ℎ����������������\end{array}$
• r is the radius (distance between the object and the fixed point about which it revolves)
• $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}���ℎ���������������.\end{array}$

Extended object: The object, which is rotating about a fixed point. For example, Earth rotates about its axis. Here the angular momentum is given by:

$\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}=\overrightarrow{�}\times \overrightarrow{�}\end{array}$

Where,

• $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}���ℎ����������������.\end{array}$
• I is the rotational inertia.
• $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{�}���ℎ����������������.\end{array}$

Angular Momentum Quantum Number

Angular momentum quantum number is synonymous with Azimuthal quantum number or secondary quantum number. It is a quantum number of an atomic orbital that decides the angular momentum and describes the size and shape of the orbital. The typical value ranges from 0 to 1.

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).

Examples of Angular Momentum

We knowingly or unknowingly come across this property in many instances. Some examples are explained below.

Ice-skater

When an ice-skater goes for a spin she starts off with her hands and legs 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 that 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 a really important factor to be controlled.

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