Linear/angular momentum formulas

In summary, linear momentum is a measure of an object's motion in a straight line, while angular momentum is a measure of its rotational motion. The formula for calculating linear momentum is p = m * v, and angular momentum is related to linear momentum through the concept of torque. Both linear and angular momentum can be conserved in a closed system, as described by the law of conservation of momentum.
  • #1
dopey9
32
0
Does anyone know the formulas for

(1) linear momentum
(2) angular momentum

for the situtation of two spacecraft s colliding in space or in orbit

thankz
 
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  • #2
That is not very simple.

Are the collisions elastic or inelastic, and then one needs to know the impact parameter, i.e. how far from the combined CM both spacecraft CMs are.

Please do not double post - the same question is asked in this thread
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=125895

An inelastic collision is described, and as DocAl asked, what is 'conserved' in this collision?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
What do mean by 'CM'?
 
  • #4
Centre of Mass.
 

1. What is linear momentum?

Linear momentum is a physical quantity that describes the motion of an object in a straight line. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity, and is typically represented by the symbol "p". The SI unit for linear momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

2. What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of an object's rotational motion. It is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity, and is typically represented by the symbol "L". The SI unit for angular momentum is kilogram-square meter per second (kg·m^2/s).

3. What is the formula for calculating linear momentum?

The formula for calculating linear momentum is p = m * v, where "p" represents linear momentum, "m" represents mass, and "v" represents velocity. This formula is based on Newton's second law of motion, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration.

4. How is angular momentum related to linear momentum?

Angular momentum and linear momentum are related through the concept of torque, which is the rotational equivalent of force. When a force is applied to an object, it causes both linear and angular motion. Therefore, the change in angular momentum of an object is related to the change in linear momentum through the equation L = r x p, where "L" represents angular momentum, "r" represents the distance from the point of rotation, and "x" represents the cross product operator.

5. Can linear and angular momentum be conserved?

Yes, both linear and angular momentum can be conserved in a closed system where no external forces or torques are acting on the system. This is known as the law of conservation of momentum. In such a system, the total momentum before and after an event remains the same. This principle is frequently used in physics to analyze collisions and other interactions between objects.

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