Does only the Tangential momentum count

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between linear momentum and angular momentum, particularly in the context of a particle colliding with a rotating disc. Participants explore how the angle of collision affects the conversion of momentum types.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions under which linear momentum is related to angular momentum, questioning how different angles of impact influence the resulting angular momentum. There is also a consideration of how to phrase the relationship between these types of momentum.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of angular momentum in relation to linear momentum, noting that the direction of motion plays a significant role. The discussion appears to be exploring various interpretations of the momentum transfer without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on specific conditions such as the fixed axis of the disc and the nature of the collision (inelastic), which may influence the understanding of momentum conversion. Participants are also navigating the terminology used to describe these concepts.

Gmaximus
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Does only the Tangential momentum "count"...

When convertering the momentum from linear to angular?
 
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For a particle with linear momentum [itex]\vec p[/itex], its angular momentum about some origin is [itex]\vec L = \vec r \times \vec p[/itex]. So, if I understand what you're asking, the answer is yes.
 
So a particle traveling into a disc (thats free to rotate) in an inelastic collision that collides on a path tangent to the disc has all of its momentum converted into angular momentum, whearas a path of 30° with respect to the tanget line would have cos(30) times that angular momentum?
 
I'd phrase it a bit differently. (As I don't like saying that linear momentum "converts" to angular momentum.) Let me assume that the axis of the disk is fixed; the disk is free to rotate, but not translate. In any case, prior to the collision the particle has a certain angular momentum with respect to that axis. Yes, the amount of angular momentum it has depends on its direction of motion. During the collision, the angular momentum (of the entire system) does not change. Does this help?
 

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