Is torque required to change angular momentum?

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SUMMARY

Torque is required to change angular momentum, as established by the equation τ = I α, where τ represents torque, I is the moment of inertia, and α is angular acceleration. If torque is zero, angular acceleration is also zero, resulting in no change in angular speed. Internal forces can alter the moment of inertia, but the angular speed adjusts to maintain constant angular momentum. This confirms that torque is essential for any change in angular momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's first law of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of torque and angular acceleration
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia
  • Basic principles of angular momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between torque and angular momentum in detail
  • Explore the effects of internal forces on moment of inertia
  • Learn about angular acceleration and its implications in rotational dynamics
  • Investigate advanced physics concepts related to angular momentum conservation
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of rotational dynamics and the relationship between torque and angular momentum.

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is torque required to change angular momentum?
 
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unless Newton's first law of motion doesn't hold as far as advanced physics is concerned I'm going to have to go with yes
 
Yes if one considers the N1 analogy

[tex]\tau = I \alpha[/tex]

which implies if the torque is zero that the angular acceleration will also be zero giving no change in angular speed.

One can object and say - what about internal forces changing the moment of inertia of an object? In such instances it is found that the angular speed adjusts to keep the angular momentum of the object constant.
 

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