Rotational Angular Momentum

Main Idea

Angular momentum is a measure of rotational momentum, and total angular momentum can be defined as the sum of translational angular momentum and rotational angular momentum. This page covers rotational angular momentum or the angular momentum relative to a center of mass. More specifically, rotational angular momentum can be defined as components of a system that rotate all around its center of mass with the same angular velocity, and it can be used to demonstrate motion such as Earth's revolution.

Mathematical Model

There are two equations that can be used to describe rotational angular momentum. The first one is a generalized form that can be described as the sum of cross products of distance and momentum.

The next equation summarizes rotational angular momentum as the product of inertia and angular velocity. (The units of rotational angular momentum are kg*m^2/s.

To use the above equation, the following equations may be needed. The first equation is used to calculate inertia. Inertia can be defined as the tendency to resist changes in their state of motion. (The units of inertia are kg*m^2.)

The next equation angular velocity which is the rate of change of angular position of a rotating object. (The units of angular velocity are radians per second).