Angular momentum L=rxP and L=I x omega ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the application of angular momentum formulas L = r x P and L = I x ω. L = I x ω is utilized for objects spinning with mass, particularly in rigid body dynamics, while L = r x P is applied in planetary motion scenarios, such as proving Kepler's second law. The conversation also touches on the right-hand rule for vector combinations and the relationship between torque and angular momentum in systems of mass points. The mathematical formulations provided establish the connection between angular momentum and the moment of inertia in various contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with rigid body dynamics and moment of inertia calculations.
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics, including cross products and the right-hand rule.
  • Basic concepts of planetary motion and Kepler's laws.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the moment of inertia for different geometries.
  • Learn about the conservation of angular momentum in isolated systems.
  • Explore the implications of the right-hand rule in vector analysis and torque calculations.
  • Investigate the relationship between angular momentum and rotational dynamics in rigid bodies.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on classical mechanics, engineering, and astrophysics, will benefit from this discussion. It is especially relevant for those studying angular momentum in both theoretical and applied contexts.

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When do we use L=r x P and L=I x Omega (angular velocity)?

in old 8.01x - Lect 24, I pasted here link of the lecture, which will take you at exact time (at 27:02)he says "spin angular momentum" in classical physics lecture and why? I expected to hear "angular momentum" vector.



Normally, "spin angular momentum" we deal with it in quantum mechanics.

So, how should I understand this correctly when to use L with moment of inertia or when to use L with r x P? I know both dimensionally equal.

My current understanding is that, I would use L with moment of inertia, when I see object spinning with mass isolated itself with different 3d solid or hollow geometry. Since we have each formula for respective moment of inertia.

I would use L= r x P when I see planetary motion in orbits objects separated by distance "r" or to prove Kepler's second law.

Can we independently take different vectors using right hand rule (individually) and combine actual direction of torque, angular momentum, etc into one diagram of cross products ? This combination in itself is a new vector perpendicular to plane of two vectors (taken from right hand rule) ? although they do not form a formula in combination ?
 

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Well, there are at least four theorems about angular momentum.

Let ##O\boldsymbol e_x\boldsymbol e_y\boldsymbol e_z## be an inertial frame and let ##A_1,\ldots,A_N## be a system of mass points with masses ##m_1,\ldots, m_N##.
Assume also that ##\boldsymbol F_k## is an external force that applied to the point ##A_k##. Then
$$\boldsymbol L_0=\sum_{i=1}^Nm_i\boldsymbol{OA}_i\times \boldsymbol v_i;\quad \boldsymbol\tau_0=\sum_{i=1}^N\boldsymbol{OA}_i\times\boldsymbol F_i$$
and $$ \frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol L_O= \boldsymbol\tau_O\qquad (1).$$
By ##S## denote a center of mass of this system. Let ##S\boldsymbol e_x\boldsymbol e_y\boldsymbol e_z## be a moving coordinate frame
that have ##S## as the origin and does not rotate. By ##\boldsymbol v_i^r## denote a velocity of the point ##A_i## relative to ##S\boldsymbol e_x\boldsymbol e_y\boldsymbol e_z##.

Then
$$\boldsymbol L_O=m\boldsymbol{OS}\times \boldsymbol v_S+\boldsymbol L_*,\quad \boldsymbol L_*=\sum_{i=1}^Nm_i\boldsymbol{SA}_i\times \boldsymbol v_i^r,\quad m=\sum_{i=1}^Nm_i;$$
and
$$ \frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol L_*= \boldsymbol\tau_*,\quad \boldsymbol\tau_*=\sum_{i=1}^N\boldsymbol{SA}_i\times\boldsymbol F_i.\qquad (2)$$

If the system of mass points ##A_1,\ldots,A_N## forms a rigid body with fixed point ##O## then formula (1) remains valid with ##\boldsymbol L_O=J_O\boldsymbol\omega,## where ##J_O## is the inertia operator about the point ##O##. ##\boldsymbol\omega## is rigid body's angular velocity. The following formula is also true
$$\frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol L_O=J_O\frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol{\omega}+\boldsymbol\omega\times J_O\boldsymbol\omega.$$
For general motion of the rigid body formula (2) is used with
$$\boldsymbol L_*=J_S\boldsymbol\omega,$$
and $$\frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol L_*=J_S\frac{d}{dt}\boldsymbol{\omega}+\boldsymbol\omega\times J_S\boldsymbol\omega.$$
 
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