Is angular momentum completely independent from linear momentum

In summary, linear and angular momentum are related in classical mechanics and are both conserved. For rigid objects, angular momentum can be derived from linear momentum and either can be used for convenience. However, for bendy objects, angular momentum can be stored and must be accounted for. Calculus can be used to derive the moments of inertia and show that angular momentum can be expressed as two parts - one from the body's center of mass and one from its motion with respect to its center of mass.
  • #1
NANDHU001
22
0
Is it possible to derive ideas of angular momentum form linear momentum. Can linear momentum and calculus be used to derive ideas of angular momentum.
 
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  • #2
I take it you are talking about classical mechanics?

$$L=r \times p$$
where
L is angular momentum
r is position vector
p is linear momentum

So linear and angular momentum are related. They are each conserved. If we have only rigid objects all the angular momentum follows from linear momentum and we can use either momentum according to convenience. If we have bendy objects they can store angular momentum. For example if we had a paddle wheel and we put it in a pot of non-Newtonian porridge it may appear as if angular momentum is not conserved, but in fact it is, the porridge has stored some angular momentum that must be accounted for.
 
  • #3
NANDHU001 said:
Is it possible to derive ideas of angular momentum form linear momentum. Can linear momentum and calculus be used to derive ideas of angular momentum.

Sure, a constant horizontal force applied tangentially about an axis of rotation would produce the revolutions per second expressed, preferably, in radians per second.

If you want to find out the moments of inertia, you'd need information about the density of, say, a uniform hollow cylinder about an axis, inner and outer radius, and a length. With that information you can use calculus.

Using integration, you can show the angular momentum of a body expressed as two parts, one from the body's center of mass and one from the motion of the body with respect to its center of mass.
 

Related to Is angular momentum completely independent from linear momentum

1. What is angular momentum and linear momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object, while linear momentum is a measure of the linear motion of an object.

2. Is angular momentum completely independent from linear momentum?

Yes, angular momentum and linear momentum are completely independent from each other. They are two distinct quantities that describe different aspects of an object's motion.

3. Can an object have both angular momentum and linear momentum?

Yes, an object can have both angular momentum and linear momentum at the same time. For example, a spinning top has both angular momentum due to its rotational motion and linear momentum due to its movement across the surface.

4. How are angular momentum and linear momentum related?

Angular momentum and linear momentum are related by a mathematical equation, where angular momentum is equal to the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity, while linear momentum is equal to the product of an object's mass and its linear velocity.

5. Can angular momentum affect linear momentum and vice versa?

Yes, there are situations where angular momentum and linear momentum can affect each other. For example, a spinning object can cause a change in its linear momentum when it interacts with other objects or forces. However, in general, they are independent from each other.

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