Conservation of angular momentum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the angular momentum of a particle using the formula L = R x P, where R is the position vector and P is the momentum. The particle's position is given as r = 3m i + 4m k, and its velocity is v = 5m/s i - 2m/s k, leading to a momentum P of 2.5 kgm/s i - 1 kgm/s k. The calculation of the cross product results in L = 13 kgm^2/s j, confirming that the angular momentum is directed along the j-axis. The confusion regarding the negative sign in the initial calculation is clarified by correctly applying the determinant method for the cross product. The final answer is confirmed to be option B, 13 kgm^2/s j.
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Homework Statement



A 0.5-kg particle is located at the point r = 3m i + 4m k and is moving with a velocity v = 5m/s i -2m/s k . What is the angular momentum of this particle about the origin?
A) 13 kgm^2/s k
B) 13 kgm^2/s j
C) 26 kgm^2/s k
D) 26m^2/s j
E) 13 kgm^2/s i



Homework Equations


L = RxP
where L is angular momentum, R is the distance from the origin and P is the momentum and the x stands for the cross product
P = mv



The Attempt at a Solution



P = 0.5(5m/s i - 2m/s k)
= 5/2 kgm^2/s i - 1kgm^2/s

L = (3i + 4i) x (5/2 kgm^2/s i - 1kgm^2/s)
= -3j - 10j
= -13j

I'm fairly certain that the answer is B because I believe that the cross product should give me a value that is perpendicular to the two vectors, which in this case are i and k, thus the cross product should, I think, include j. Also, I believe that I can eliminate D because the units are incorrect. What I don't understand is why my answer is negative.
 
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L=m\cdot r\times v=\frac{1}{2}\cdot \det\begin{bmatrix}i&j&k\\3&0&4\\5&0&-2\end{bmatrix}=13j
 
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