Angular momentum Units a very basic question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the units of angular momentum, specifically the appropriateness of using degrees per second for angular velocity instead of the conventional radians per second. Participants explore the implications of using degrees in the context of angular momentum calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is acceptable to express angular velocity in degrees per second when calculating angular momentum, noting that angular momentum is measured in kg m²/s.
  • Another participant clarifies that degrees are treated as units, unlike radians, which are considered unitless, and emphasizes the importance of indicating proper units when using degrees in calculations.
  • A participant expresses agreement with the idea that using degrees is technically correct as long as the units are properly indicated, despite not commonly seeing it used.
  • There is a correction regarding the username of a participant, indicating a minor side discussion unrelated to the main topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that degrees can be used as units for angular momentum if indicated properly, but there is no consensus on the commonality or practicality of this approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the scientific reasons for the conventional use of radians over degrees in angular momentum calculations, leaving some assumptions and implications unaddressed.

camcrash11
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I have a very basic questions about units for angular momentum.

The measure is in kg m^2/s

Angular velocity is in radians/s and therefore radians do not appear in the units.

Here is my question, can we leave this in degees/s? Sure its not used but is it wrong?

If we are dealing with something like tangential velocity for example, angular velocity has to be in radians/s because a linear measure like tangential velocity cannot have degrees as part of the units. It would be wrong to do so.

However, in the case of angular momentum, we are measuring an angular quantity. Having degrees in the units should be acceptable. Yes, that never happens but is there a scientific reason that would make it wrong to have degrees in angular momentum?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Degrees are technically treated as units, unlike radians which are unitless due to their definition. If you use angular momentum values calculated using degrees, you should indicate the proper units in case these numbers are to be used in other calculations, where radians would normally be used.
 
Thank you very much Streamking! That's what I thought, so degrees are technically correct as long as they are included in the units. Just wanted to confirm that since I don't see it used anywhere.
 
camcrash11 said:
Thank you very much Streamking! That's what I thought, so degrees are technically correct as long as they are included in the units. Just wanted to confirm that since I don't see it used anywhere.

BTW, the handle is SteamKing, not StreamKing. And you're welcome.
 
opps. Sorry about that SteamKing. Thanks again!
 

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