Conservation of angular momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angular momentum of a 0.5-kg particle located at the coordinates r = 3m i + 4m k and moving with a velocity of v = 5m/s i - 2m/s k. The correct formula for angular momentum, L = R x P, where P = mv, leads to the conclusion that the angular momentum is 13 kgm²/s j. The participant confirms that the answer is B, as the cross product yields a vector in the j direction, and clarifies the reason for the negative sign in their initial calculation.

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  • Understanding of vector mathematics and cross products
  • Familiarity with angular momentum concepts
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, particularly L = R x P
  • Ability to perform vector calculations in three-dimensional space
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  • Learn about angular momentum in different coordinate systems
  • Explore the implications of negative values in vector calculations
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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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[itex]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[/itex]
 

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