Angular momentum of a particle

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SUMMARY

The angular momentum of a particle with mass m = 2.0 kg, described by the position vector r = 3t i - t² j + 2 k, is calculated at time t = 2 s. The angular velocity is derived as ω = 3 i - 2t j, leading to r(2) = 6i - 4j + 2k and ω(2) = 3i - 4j. The angular momentum is computed using the formula L = Iω = mr²ω, where the cross product of the momentum and position vector is essential for accurate results. The calculation must be verified to ensure the values are reasonable and correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically differentiation of vector functions.
  • Familiarity with angular momentum concepts in classical mechanics.
  • Knowledge of cross product operations in three-dimensional space.
  • Basic understanding of kinematics and motion equations.
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  • Study the derivation of angular momentum in three-dimensional motion.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the cross product in physics.
  • Explore the implications of angular momentum conservation in closed systems.
  • Review examples of angular momentum calculations for various particle motions.
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Students studying classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding angular momentum calculations in three-dimensional motion.

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Homework Statement


The position of a particle of mass m = 2.0kg is given at time t by the equation, r = 3t i - t2 j + 2 k, where r is measured in meters from the origin, and t is in seconds. What is the angular momentum of the particle with respect to the origin at time t = 2 s?

Homework Equations


L = Iω = (mr2)(ω)

The Attempt at a Solution


I kind of understand the general idea of the problem, I think it's just the presence of i, j, k that is confusing me.

From the radius equation, I took the derivative to get the angular velocity equation.
ω = 3 i - 2t j

From there, I calculated r(2) and ω(2).
r(2) = 6i - 4j + 2k
ω(2) = 3i - 4j

Using the equation L = Iω = mr2ω
L = (2)(6i - 4j + 2k)2(3i - 4j)

Then, I just multiplied through to get the answer. But, the numbers look way too big and I'm not too sure I did it correctly.

Any help is appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The angular momentum is the cross product (vector product) of the momentum of the particle and its position vector. You can determine the velocity of the particle by differentiating r(t) with respect time; multiply it by mass and then calculate the cross product with the position vector.

ehild
 

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