The concept of angular momentum defined as r x p (where r is the position vector and p is momentum) is attributed to developments in physics postdating Newton, specifically emerging in the mid-1800s with the formalization of vector calculus. While Newton and Aristotle contributed foundational ideas, the modern interpretation of angular momentum as a vector quantity was not established until later. The discussion highlights a debate regarding the validity of the r x p definition, with claims of experimental evidence suggesting its conservation may not hold under certain conditions.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and researchers interested in the historical context and theoretical foundations of angular momentum, as well as those exploring experimental physics and its implications on established theories.