Angular Momentum (AP Physics 1)

Front

What is angular momentum?

Back

Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object, defined as the product of its moment of inertia and its angular velocity (L = Iω).

Front

What is the principle of conservation of angular momentum?

Back

The principle states that if no external torques act on a system, the total angular momentum of that system remains constant.

Front

What is moment of inertia?

Back

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotation, depending on the mass distribution relative to the axis of rotation.

Front

How does pulling arms in affect an ice skater's angular velocity?

Back

When an ice skater pulls her arms in, her moment of inertia decreases, causing her angular velocity to increase to conserve angular momentum.

Front

What happens to angular momentum when a force is applied to a stationary object?

Back

Applying a force creates angular momentum within the system, as it imparts an angular impulse.

Front

What is angular impulse?

Back

Angular impulse is the change in angular momentum resulting from a torque applied over a period of time.

Front

If a system has no external torques, what can be said about its angular momentum?

Back

The angular momentum of the system is conserved.

Front

What is the relationship between angular velocity and moment of inertia?

Back

Angular velocity is inversely proportional to moment of inertia when angular momentum is conserved (L = Iω).

Front

What happens to angular velocity if moment of inertia is halved while angular momentum is conserved?

Back

The angular velocity will double, as L = Iω must remain constant.

Front

What is the effect of a collision on the angular momentum of a system?

Back

In a closed system, the total angular momentum before and after a collision remains the same.