Angular Momentum Calculator
Rotational Angular Momentum
Calculate L = Iω for a rotating object
Orbital Angular Momentum
Calculate L = mvr for an object in circular orbit
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Given initial state and new moment of inertia, find new angular velocity
Formula
L = Iω | L = mvr | τ = dL/dt | KE_rot = ½Iω² | Conservation: I₁ω₁ = I₂ω₂
Frequently Asked Questions
What is angular momentum?
Angular momentum (L) measures the rotational motion of an object. For a rotating body: L = Iω (moment of inertia times angular velocity). For an orbiting particle: L = mvr (mass times velocity times radius). It is measured in kg·m²/s.
What is conservation of angular momentum?
In the absence of external torques, the total angular momentum of a system remains constant. This means I₁ω₁ = I₂ω₂. When a spinning skater pulls in their arms (reducing I), they spin faster (increasing ω).
What is the relationship between torque and angular momentum?
Torque is the rate of change of angular momentum: τ = dL/dt. If no net torque acts on a system, angular momentum is conserved. This is the rotational analog of Newton's second law (F = dp/dt).
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