Is Angular Momentum Constant in the Body Frame of a Rigid Body?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The angular momentum of a rigid body, such as a disc or a heavy top, is constant in the lab frame but varies in the body frame. In the body frame, the body does not appear to rotate, leading to different angular momentum values when calculated from various points on the body. Specifically, the angular momentum (L) can be determined by the product of the angular velocity and the moment of inertia (MOI) about the chosen point. Therefore, L1 and L2, representing angular momentum about two different points on the body, will not be equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in physics
  • Familiarity with rigid body dynamics
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia (MOI)
  • Basic concepts of rotational motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of angular momentum conservation in rigid bodies
  • Learn how to calculate moment of inertia for various shapes
  • Explore the differences between lab frame and body frame in rotational dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of external forces on angular momentum
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of rigid bodies and rotational motion.

Ahmes
Messages
75
Reaction score
1
It might be a stupid question but I do want to make sure of that:
Angular momentum of a rigid body (such as a disc) is a constant vector in the lab frame.
It is a vector in the body frame too, is it constant in the body frame?

I refer to simple bodies with 3D rotation such as a rotationg disc or a heavy top.

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am truly a stupid person - in its own frame a body does not rotate - right?
 
one can calculate the angular momentum about any point on the body and it will be different about any point . i mean if L1 is angular momentum about one point and L2 is angular momentum about any other point (both the points are on body) then L1 will not be equal to L2 . To calculate angular momentum about any point on the body just find the product of angular velocity of the body and the MOI about that point (think why!)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K