Angular momentum Units a very basic question

AI Thread Summary
Angular momentum is measured in kg m^2/s, with angular velocity typically expressed in radians/s, as radians are unitless. While degrees/s can technically be used for angular velocity, it is unconventional and may lead to confusion in calculations. The discussion clarifies that degrees are acceptable in angular momentum calculations, provided the units are clearly indicated. However, using degrees is not standard practice, and caution is advised when integrating these values into other calculations. Overall, while degrees can be used, radians remain the preferred unit for consistency in scientific contexts.
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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