zuai-logo
zuai-logo
  1. AP Physics C Mechanics
FlashcardFlashcard
Study GuideStudy GuideQuestion BankQuestion BankGlossaryGlossary

In the right-hand rule diagram for angular momentum, what do the fingers, curl, and thumb represent?

Fingers: direction of r⃗\vec{r}r, Curl: direction of p⃗\vec{p}p​, Thumb: direction of L⃗\vec{L}L

Flip to see [answer/question]
Flip to see [answer/question]
Revise later
SpaceTo flip
If confident

All Flashcards

In the right-hand rule diagram for angular momentum, what do the fingers, curl, and thumb represent?

Fingers: direction of r⃗\vec{r}r, Curl: direction of p⃗\vec{p}p​, Thumb: direction of L⃗\vec{L}L

What is the difference between angular momentum of a rigid object and a point object?

Rigid Object: L=IωL = I\omegaL=Iω, depends on moment of inertia and angular velocity. | Point Object: L=rmvsin⁡θL = rmv \sin \thetaL=rmvsinθ, depends on distance, mass, velocity, and angle.

How do angular impulse and linear impulse differ?

Angular Impulse: Changes rotational motion; involves torque and time. | Linear Impulse: Changes linear motion; involves force and time.

Compare and contrast torque and force.

Torque: Rotational force; causes angular acceleration. | Force: Linear force; causes linear acceleration.

How are angular momentum and linear momentum related?

Angular Momentum: 'Rotational oomph'; resistance to changes in rotational motion. | Linear Momentum: 'Linear oomph'; resistance to changes in linear motion.

What is the relation between angular impulse and change in angular momentum?

Angular Impulse: The cause of change in rotational motion. | Change in Angular Momentum: The effect of angular impulse.

What is the effect of applying a torque to an object?

The object experiences angular acceleration.

What happens when a spinning skater pulls their arms inward?

Their moment of inertia decreases, and their angular velocity increases (angular momentum remains constant).

What is the effect of a net torque acting on an object over time?

The object's angular momentum changes.

What happens when angular impulse is applied to a rotating object?

The object's angular momentum changes.

What is the effect of increasing the distance (r) of a point object from a reference point on its angular momentum?

The angular momentum increases (assuming other variables remain constant).

What happens to the angular momentum if no external torque acts on a system?

The angular momentum of the system remains constant (conservation of angular momentum).