Does Angular Momentum Depend on the Choice of Origin?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dependence of angular momentum on the choice of origin in physics. It is established that the angular momentum of a moving particle does depend on the specific origin from which it is calculated. The participants clarify that if no torque acts on a particle about an arbitrary origin, the angular momentum remains constant, but not necessarily zero. Additionally, the conversation highlights that a particle moving in a straight line with constant speed can possess angular momentum, contradicting the notion that it must be zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its calculation
  • Familiarity with torque and its effects on motion
  • Knowledge of the right-hand rule for determining angular momentum direction
  • Basic principles of conservation of angular momentum
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  • Study the mathematical definition of angular momentum and its dependence on the origin
  • Explore the relationship between torque and angular momentum in detail
  • Learn about the right-hand rule and its application in physics
  • Investigate conservation laws in rotational dynamics
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Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of angular momentum and its implications in motion.

sumitmanhas
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angular momentum urgent help ...

Homework Statement


Which of the following is an accurate statement
1) The angular momentum of a moving particle depends on the specific origin with respect to which the angular momentum is calculated.
2) If the torque acting on a particle is zero about an arbitrary origin, then the angular momentum of the particle is also zero about that origin.
3) If the speed of a particle is constant, then the angular momentum of the particle about any specific origin must also be constant.
4) Consider a planet moving in a circular orbit about a star. Even if the planet is spinning it is not possible for its total angular momentum to be zero.
5) A particle moving in a straight line with constant speed necessarily has zero angular momentum.


Homework Equations


conservation of angular momentum and principles


The Attempt at a Solution



so for the first 1 ) this is likely to be true , which i never thought of because evrytime you calculate your angular momentum you choose the point of rotation and from there using right hand rule determine the direction (in or out)
2) makes no sense because if there is no torque acting on the origin then the angular momentum is constant
3) if speed is constant then angular momentum = mrv is same since the mass remain the same throughout
4)if an object keeps rotating doesn't it have an initial momentum and final momentum which are same , so, i mean it is constant then.
5) particle in straight line can have angular momentum , as in the case of a person jumping of the merry go round with horizontal speed doesnot have zero angular momentum.
i believe the first one is more accurate..
reply as soon as possible please
 
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Hi sumitmanhas! :smile:
sumitmanhas said:
1) The angular momentum of a moving particle depends on the specific origin with respect to which the angular momentum is calculated.
so for the first 1 ) this is likely to be true , which i never thought of because evrytime you calculate your angular momentum you choose the point of rotation and from there using right hand rule determine the direction (in or out)

Yes, it is true, but you have to prove it, using the definition.
2) If the torque acting on a particle is zero about an arbitrary origin, then the angular momentum of the particle is also zero about that origin.
2) makes no sense because if there is no torque acting on the origin then the angular momentum is constant


That's sort-of right, but you haven't said whether or not that constant has to be zero.
3) If the speed of a particle is constant, then the angular momentum of the particle about any specific origin must also be constant.
3) if speed is constant then angular momentum = mrv is same since the mass remain the same throughout

No … what is r?
4) Consider a planet moving in a circular orbit about a star. Even if the planet is spinning it is not possible for its total angular momentum to be zero.
4)if an object keeps rotating doesn't it have an initial momentum and final momentum which are same , so, i mean it is constant then.

Yes, it is constant, but you haven't answered the question … can a planet like the Earth (which is both spinning once a day on its own axis and also moving round the Sun once a year) have zero total angular momentum?
5) A particle moving in a straight line with constant speed necessarily has zero angular momentum.
5) particle in straight line can have angular momentum , as in the case of a person jumping of the merry go round with horizontal speed doesnot have zero angular momentum.

Yes, but you should give an answer based on the definition.
 

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