🌀 ANGULAR MOMENTUM
PAGE 1 OF 5, SPIN HAS MOMENTUM
ROTATIONAL MOTION
ROTATING OBJECTS CARRY ANGULAR MOMENTUM
Linear momentum describes straight-line motion: p = mv. Angular momentum describes spinning motion. For a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis, angular momentum L equals moment of inertia I times angular velocity ω: L = Iω. The moment of inertia I measures how hard it is to start or stop a spin. Mass far from the axis counts more than mass close in. Angular velocity ω tells how fast something turns, usually in radians per second. A heavy, wide spinning wheel has large L. A fast-spinning compact top has large L too, even if it is light.
🌀 ANGULAR MOMENTUM
L = Iω. L is angular momentum, I is moment of inertia, and ω is angular velocity. Bigger I or faster spin means bigger L.
SPIN!
MOMENT OF INERTIA
📏 I depends on mass distribution
👐 Arms out: large I, slow spin
🎯 Mass near axis: smaller I
👐 Arms out: large I, slow spin
🎯 Mass near axis: smaller I
ANGULAR VELOCITY
🔄 ω = how fast it turns
⏱️ More revolutions per second, higher ω
🌀 Spinning top: high ω, stable feel
⏱️ More revolutions per second, higher ω
🌀 Spinning top: high ω, stable feel