Rate of change of ##L## in a rotating coordinate system

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the rate of change of the angular momentum vector ##\mathbf{L}## in both inertial and rotating coordinate systems. The established relationship for a general vector ##\mathbf{A}##, given by ##\left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{inertial} = \left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{rot} + \boldsymbol \omega \times \mathbf A##, does not apply to ##\mathbf{L}## due to its dependence on the coordinate system. The angular momentum vector's length varies between stationary and rotating frames, invalidating the previous derivation. The discussion emphasizes the need to consider the specific properties of angular momentum when analyzing its behavior in different frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus and derivatives
  • Familiarity with inertial and rotating reference frames
  • Knowledge of angular momentum and its mathematical representation
  • Concept of cross products in vector mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular momentum in both inertial and rotating frames
  • Learn about the properties of polar and axial vectors
  • Explore the implications of the Coriolis effect on rotating systems
  • Investigate the application of the equation ##L = r \times p## in various physical scenarios
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Physicists, engineers, and students studying mechanics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics and the behavior of vectors in different coordinate systems.

Kashmir
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* We've a vector ##\mathbf{A}## lying in space, changing according to some rule.

* We introduce an inertial frame and find ##\left(\frac{d}{d t}
\mathbf{A} \right)_{i n}## in it.

* We also introduce a co located frame rotating with ##\mathbf{\omega}##. In this rotating frame I find ##\left(\frac{d}{d t}
\mathbf{A} \right)_{rot}##

* There exists a relationship between the two time rates as
##\left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{inertial} = \left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{rot} + \boldsymbol \omega \times \mathbf A##

* In all of this derivation it was assumed that the vector ##\mathbf{A}## was independent of the coordinate system. We merely observed the vector in two frames. The vector is independent of the coordinate system.----------------------------------
* Can we use the above equation on angular momentum vector ##\mathbf{L}## i.e ##\left ( \frac{d\mathbf L}{dt} \right )_\text{inertial} = \left ( \frac{d\mathbf L}{dt} \right )_\text{rot} + \boldsymbol \omega \times \mathbf L##?

I think no we can't.

In the derivation of the ##\left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{inertial} = \left ( \frac{d\mathbf A}{dt} \right )_\text{rot} + \boldsymbol \omega \times \mathbf A## we assumed that the vector ##\mathbf{A}## was independent of the coordinate system, its lengths and direction in space is independent of the coordinate system.

However for ##\mathbf{L}## that isn't the case.
##\mathbf{L}## has a different length in a stationary frame than in a rotating one. So the derivation doesn't apply.
 
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L=r \times p
\frac{dL}{dt}=\frac{dr}{dt} \times p + r \ \times \frac{dp}{dt}
Why don't you use this relation to check the result ?
 
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Of course you can use the formula. The formula refers to the time derivative of polar or axial vector components (not vectors!).
 

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