Angular Momentum, classical vector analogy?

In summary, Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object and is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity. It is analogous to linear momentum, but for rotational motion. Angular momentum is conserved in a closed system and is related to torque through the equation τ = Iα. It has many real-world applications in fields such as vehicle design, sports, and robotics.
  • #1
Erebus_Oneiros
15
3
If one can't ever know all the three components of (QM) angular momentum, then can it even be considered as a "vector"?
Is it only cause it transforms as a vector in a coordinate transformation?
 
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  • #2
In Quantum mechanics L is vector operator!
 

1. What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity.

2. What is the classical vector analogy for angular momentum?

The classical vector analogy for angular momentum is similar to the linear momentum vector, but instead of measuring the motion in a straight line, it measures the rotational motion around an axis. The direction of the vector is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

3. How is angular momentum conserved?

Angular momentum is conserved in a closed system, meaning that the total angular momentum of the system remains constant. This is due to the law of conservation of angular momentum, which states that the total angular momentum before an event must equal the total angular momentum after the event.

4. What is the relationship between torque and angular momentum?

Torque is the rotational equivalent of force, and it is directly related to angular momentum. The greater the torque applied to an object, the greater its change in angular momentum will be. This relationship is described by the equation τ = Iα, where τ is torque, I is moment of inertia, and α is angular acceleration.

5. How is angular momentum used in real-world applications?

Angular momentum has many practical applications, including in the design of vehicles, such as cars and airplanes, where it is used to optimize their stability and maneuverability. It is also used in sports, such as figure skating and gymnastics, to control rotational movements. Additionally, it is used in industries such as robotics, where precise control of rotational motion is necessary.

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