Why Does a Bicycle Wheel's Angular Momentum Point West When Traveling North?

Thread starter edanzig
Start date Mar 31, 2014
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Angular Angular momentum Momentum Vector

AI Thread Summary

When a bicycle travels North, the angular momentum vector of its front wheel points West. This is determined by applying the right-hand rule for vector products. The formula for angular momentum is given as L = r × mv, where r is the radius, m is mass, and v is velocity. The initial assumption that the angular momentum points North was incorrect. Understanding the right-hand rule clarifies the direction of angular momentum in this context.

Mar 31, 2014

edanzig

A bicycle is traveling North. The direction of the angular momentum vector of it's front wheel is?

I chose "North." The answer is West. Why?
thanks

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Mar 31, 2014

dauto

Look up right hand rule for vector products.

Mar 31, 2014

BOYLANATOR

The direction is given by the right hand rule.

\hat{L}= \hat{r} \times m \hat{v}

Mar 31, 2014

edanzig

My mistake. I know nothing of this topic, I should have looked before asking...

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