Total angular momentum of a translating and rotating pancake

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the total angular momentum of a translating and rotating pancake, specifically addressing the derivation from David Morin's Classical Mechanics. Key points include the relationship between the center of mass (CM) frame and the fixed origin, where the velocity of a particle is expressed as v = V + v'. The participants clarify that in the CM frame, the position of the CM is treated as the origin, leading to the conclusion that the integral of the position vector in this frame vanishes, i.e., ∫r' dm = 0. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between vector results and scalar magnitudes in cross products.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and cross product operations.
  • Knowledge of reference frames, especially the center of mass frame.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions and integrals in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular momentum in different reference frames.
  • Learn about the implications of using the center of mass frame in dynamics.
  • Explore vector calculus applications in classical mechanics, focusing on cross products.
  • Review David Morin's Classical Mechanics, particularly sections on angular momentum.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify angular momentum concepts and reference frame applications.

Rikudo
Messages
120
Reaction score
26
I have read Classical Mechanics book by David Morin, and there are some parts that I do not understand from its derivation.

Note :
## V## and ##v## is respectively the velocity of CM and a particle of the body relative to the fixed origin , while ##v'## is velocity of the particle relative to CM
From this, we can get : $$ v = V + v'$$
Screenshot_2021-08-11-12-04-56-87-1.png
333.png


In the 3rd step, It is written that ## \int r' \times V\, dm ## vanised because the position of CM in CM frame is zero.
But, isn't the position of CM should be calculated relative to the origin? (Since we are calculating the angular momentum relative to the origin, not CM)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, by definition if you are in the CM frame of reference the CM is chosen as the origin of your reference frame. Then also the reference point of the angular momentum is the CM.
 
Rikudo said:
and is respectively the velocity of CM and a particle of the body relative to the fixed origin , while is velocity of the particle relative to CM
it is a very bad phrase
there can not be a velocity of one point relative other point
there can be velocity of a point relative a frame
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and ergospherical
wrobel said:
it is a very bad phrase
there can not be a velocity of one point relative other point
there can be velocity of a point relative a frame
Ah...I see.Thanks for telling me!
vanhees71 said:
Well, by definition if you are in the CM frame of reference the CM is chosen as the origin of your reference frame. Then also the reference point of the angular momentum is the CM.
Alright. So, ##\int V \times r' \,dm ## use CM as its origin point, i suppose?
 
Figure 8.4 says it all imho. ##r'## is the position vector in the frame of reference of CM, so when you calculate those terms (the ones that vanish) it is like you are in the frame of reference of CM, regardless if the whole calculation is done in the frame of reference of another point that is taken as origin , different than CM.
so in a nutshell it is
$$\int \vec{r'} dm=\vec{0}$$
$$\int \vec{r} dm=M\vec{R}$$
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
Ok I might not have explained it very well but here is a better (i think) explanation.

From figure 8.4 it is ##\vec{r'}=\vec{r}-\vec{R}## hence integrating both sides we get $$\int\vec{r'}dm=\int\vec{r}dm-\int\vec{R}dm=M\vec{R}-\vec{R}M=0$$
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
It's nice to meet you again!
Delta2 said:
Ok I might not have explained it very well but here is a better (i think) explanation.

From figure 8.4 it is ##\vec{r'}=\vec{r}-\vec{R}## hence integrating both sides we get $$\int\vec{r'}dm=\int\vec{r}dm-\int\vec{R}dm=M\vec{R}-\vec{R}M=0$$
But, isn't ##\int V \times r' \,dm = V\int r'\, sin\alpha ## since it is a cross product? (With ##\alpha## is the angle between vector## V ##and vector ##r'##).
Then, to find ##\int r'\, sin\alpha ##, we need to multiple both sides by ##sin \alpha## before integrating it.
$$\int\vec{r'} sin (\alpha)dm=\int\vec{r}sin (\alpha) dm-\int\vec{R}sin (\alpha) dm$$
 
No , you confuse $$\int\vec{V}\times\vec{r'} dm=\vec{V}\times\int\vec{r'}dm$$ with $$\int|\vec{V}\times\vec{r'}|dm=|\vec{V}|\int|\vec{r'}|\sin a dm$$, the first above gives a vector as result(where in the integration opposite vectors cancel out), while the second gives a number greater than zero (where in the integration opposite vectors don't cancel out, because we take their magnitude).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
Delta2 said:
No , you confuse $$\int\vec{V}\times\vec{r'} dm=\vec{V}\times\int\vec{r'}dm$$ with $$\int|\vec{V}\times\vec{r'}|dm=|\vec{V}|\int|\vec{r'}|\sin a dm$$, the first above gives a vector as result(where in the integration opposite vectors cancel out), while the second gives a number greater than zero (where in the integration opposite vectors don't cancel out, because we take their magnitude).
OK
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Delta2 said:
it is like you are in the frame of reference of CM, regardless if the whole calculation is done in the frame of reference of another point that is taken as origin
So, we use the origin and CM frame of reference. but, how is it possible to use two different frames at the same time?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
755
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K