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Angular Momentum Calculator

Angular Momentum Formula:

\[ L = I \times \omega \]

kg·m²
rad/s

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1. What is Angular Momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the quantity of rotation of a body, which is the product of its moment of inertia and its angular velocity. It is a conserved quantity in a closed system, meaning it remains constant unless acted upon by an external torque.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the angular momentum formula:

\[ L = I \times \omega \]

Where:

Explanation: The angular momentum of an object is directly proportional to both its moment of inertia and its angular velocity. This relationship is fundamental in rotational dynamics.

3. Importance of Angular Momentum Calculation

Details: Angular momentum calculation is crucial in various fields including physics, engineering, astronomy, and mechanical design. It helps in understanding rotational motion, conservation principles, and designing rotating systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter moment of inertia in kg·m² and angular velocity in rad/s. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the angular momentum in kg·m²/s.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is moment of inertia?
A: Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotation rate. It depends on the mass distribution relative to the axis of rotation.

Q2: What is angular velocity?
A: Angular velocity is the rate of change of angular displacement with respect to time, measured in radians per second (rad/s).

Q3: How is angular momentum conserved?
A: In a closed system with no external torques, the total angular momentum remains constant. This is known as the law of conservation of angular momentum.

Q4: What are some real-world applications of angular momentum?
A: Applications include gyroscopes, figure skating spins, planetary orbits, helicopter rotor systems, and quantum mechanics.

Q5: How does angular momentum relate to linear momentum?
A: Angular momentum is the rotational analog of linear momentum. While linear momentum depends on mass and linear velocity, angular momentum depends on moment of inertia and angular velocity.

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