Angular momentum of a two particle system

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding angular momentum in a two-particle system, particularly differentiating between translational and rotational angular momentum. The user expresses confusion about applying the formula L = r x p and how to calculate total angular momentum, especially in relation to the center of mass. They attempted to set up calculations using the center of mass but are unsure if their results reflect total angular momentum accurately. Clarification is sought on the distinction between translational and rotational components of angular momentum. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grasping these concepts for solving mechanics problems effectively.
majorbromly
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Homework Statement


I will preface this with: I am in a mechanics class and the professor has made it his duty to explain every single concept in the most high level ways possible, often ignoring necessary basics. As a result, I suck at angular momentum (and plenty of other things)

My best attempt at a drawing from my textbook: http://imgur.com/qUvQE

A is the origin here.

What is are the translational, rotational, and total angular momenta of this system?

After a short time Δt, what is the linear momentum of the system, what is the rotational angular momentum of the system?


Homework Equations


L= r x p
mag(L)=mag(r(perp))*mag(P)
Lrot=Iω


The Attempt at a Solution


One problem I have is I'm unsure how to differentiate between translational and rotational L. I'm mainly confused as to when the general "r cross p" statement applies. I chalk this up to my professor being a string theorist that cannot teach all that well.

I've tried setting up a center of mass, and attempted to solve for L using a perpendicular r of h+1/2d, and a momentum using the center of mass velocity. So, L comes out to -((h+1/2d)*(mvcom))...I would assume this is a total angular momentum?

As you can see I'm a little lost, and I would appreciate any help greatly!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Note that given a particle of mass m moving with velocity v at some distance from a point P, then 'angular momentum' of this particle about point P can also be interpreted as the 'moment of linear momentum' of the particle about point P.
 
I'm sorry, but I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean, and my google searches haven't helped. Do you think you can try to clarify?


Also, one thing I forgot to mention is that the line between the two masses is a physical rod with length d.
 
majorbromly said:
One problem I have is I'm unsure how to differentiate between translational and rotational L.
One way to put it: The total angular momentum is the angular momentum of the system about the center of mass (the rotational angular momentum) plus the angular momentum of the center of mass (the translational angular momentum).

Start by finding the motion of the center of mass.
 
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