Why Does Angular Momentum Calculation Differ When Using Different Formulas?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the differences in angular momentum calculations using various formulas. One participant calculated angular momentum using the moment of inertia and angular velocity, while another used the cross product of position and linear momentum, leading to different results. Clarification was provided that linear velocity must be converted to angular velocity for accurate calculations. The angle between the radius vector and linear momentum is confirmed to be 90 degrees due to the circular motion of the particles. Understanding the correct application of these formulas is crucial for consistent results in angular momentum calculations.
Neon32
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Homework Statement



upload_2016-12-25_15-43-27.png

Homework Equations


I= sum m r2
L= r p
or
L=I W

The Attempt at a Solution


I= m1 r12 + m2 r22
I= 5.20 (0.9)2+ 2.20(0.9)2= 5.994 kg.m2

Then I used the second equation of second momentum
L(Angular momentum) = I W
L= 5.994 x 4.60

In the solutions sheet, he used the first rule: L= r p and he got a different answer than mine: What did I do wrong?

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Neon32 said:
Then I used the second equation of second momentum
L(Angular momentum) = I W
L= 5.994 x 4.60

"4.60" is the linear velocity. You need to use an angular velocity for W.
 
gneill said:
"4.60" is the linear velocity. You need to use an angular velocity for W.

How do I know if it's linear or angular velocity? He didn't mention if it's linear or angular.
 
Neon32 said:
How do I know if it's linear or angular velocity? He didn't mention if it's linear or angular.
What are the units given for v? What are the units of linear velocity? How about angular velocity?
 
gneill said:
What are the units given for v? What are the units of linear velocity? How about angular velocity?

Linear velocity has unit m/s
Angular velocit has unit rad/s

I got it :D. Thanks!
 
gneill said:
What are the units given for v? What are the units of linear velocity? How about angular velocity?
In the second equation L = rxp >> Is cross product between vectors so if we want the magnitude, we should use rxf sin(angle). Why he didn't do that?
 
Neon32 said:
In the second equation L = rxp >> Is cross product between vectors so if we want the magnitude, we should use rxf sin(angle). Why he didn't do that?
L = r x p is a vector expression. The magnitude of L is given by L = |r||p|sin(θ).

In this instance the angle happens to be θ = 90° . Knowing that sin(90°) = 1 he wrote the simplified expression for the magnitude. Granted, to be technically correct he should have pointed this out in some fashion, but it's a common enough simplification that it shouldn't cause problems interpreting the solution.
 
gneill said:
L = r x p is a vector expression. The magnitude of L is given by L = |r||p|sin(θ).

In this instance the angle happens to be θ = 90° . Knowing that sin(90°) = 1 he wrote the simplified expression for the magnitude. Granted, to be technically correct he should have pointed this out in some fashion, but it's a common enough simplification that it shouldn't cause problems interpreting the solution.

Can you tell me why the angle between vector r and vecor p is 90? isn't the angle between them =0? since they are in same direction
 
Neon32 said:
Can you tell me why the angle between vector r and vecor p is 90? isn't the angle between them =0? since they are in same direction
p is a linear momentum of one of the particles. It would be co-linear with the velocity vector of that particle (p = mv). Since the particles are moving in a circle and thus velocities are tangential, the angle between the radius vector and the velocity must be 90°.
 
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