Angular momentum of a particle with a symmetrical path

In summary, the projectile has angular momentum about the origin when it is at the following locations: (a) at the origin, (b) just before it hits the ground.
  • #1
doneky
13
0

Homework Statement


A projectile of mass m is launched with an initial velocity [PLAIN]https://www.webassign.net/images/boldv.gif[I]i[/I] making an angle θ with the horizontal as shown below. The projectile moves in the gravitational field of the Earth. Find the angular momentum of the projectile about the origin when the particle is at the following locations. (Use the following as necessary: vi, θ, m, and g for the acceleration due to gravity.)
11-p-019.gif

(a) at the origin
(b) at the highest point of its trajectory
(c) just before it hits the ground

Homework Equations


L=r x p

The Attempt at a Solution


For (a) angular momentum is zero because there is no r.

I mean, the problem overall seems easy, but how on Earth do I find r for the other two positions? The answer doesn't help with how this is found at all. Is there some sort of property or formula with symmetrical projectile motion?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Given that you abandoned the last thread you started, not even acknowledging the response, it seems unlikely that anybody would be motivated to help you with this one.
 
  • #3
I asked that question and then went to bed. Then I started reviewing every other chapter and have been doing solely that, so I apologize, since that problem had been pretty much the least of my worries.
I was literally planning on replying to that thread once I reached that chapter. This is the chapter prior to that one.
 
  • #4
Since the angular momentum depends on then cross product of the position vector and momentum vector(which is in the same direction as velocity),the formulae for the angular momentum maybe written as mvrperpendicular. (The cross product of the component of r vector along/parallel to velocity/momentum is 0)
Find the perpendicular distance of the velocity vector from the origin.for eg in the first case it is 0 since the velocity vector passes through the origin and in the second case it is the max height of the projectile.
 

What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of a particle or object around an axis. It is the product of the particle's mass, velocity, and distance from the axis of rotation.

How is angular momentum related to symmetrical paths?

In a symmetrical path, the distance of the particle from the axis of rotation remains constant. This results in a constant angular momentum, as the product of the mass, velocity, and distance does not change.

Does a particle with a symmetrical path have a fixed angular momentum?

Yes, a particle with a symmetrical path will have a fixed angular momentum as long as the distance from the axis of rotation remains constant.

How is angular momentum conserved in symmetrical paths?

Angular momentum is conserved in symmetrical paths because there is no external torque acting on the particle. This means that the particle's angular momentum remains constant throughout its motion.

How is the direction of angular momentum determined in symmetrical paths?

The direction of angular momentum in symmetrical paths is determined by the right-hand rule. If the particle is rotating in a clockwise direction, the direction of angular momentum will be in the opposite direction of the fingers of the right hand when the thumb points in the direction of the axis of rotation.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
828
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
982
Replies
13
Views
898
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
737
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
62
Views
10K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
989
Back
Top