Name: Amaan Ahmed
Date: 3/14/25
AP Physics 1
Ms. Lovett
Angular Momentum Intro
Do Now: State the equation for linear momentum and its units. State the equation for the
change in linear momentum (impulse) and its units.
P = mv
J = Fnet(t)
Demonstration:
● Spinning Stool
● Ice Skater 3 different spins video
● Divers video
In all three examples, the person on the stool, the ice skater and the diver, all initially have their
arms/ legs stretched outward and are traveling at an initial angular velocity. When they pull their
hands and arms in describe what happens to the:
● Rotational inertia: decreases. Rotational inertia depends on the mass distribution relative
to the axis of rotation. By having the mass closer to the axis, it reduces the moment of
inertia.
● Angular momentum: remains the same. Angular momentum is conserved in a closed
system, so if the moment of inertia decreases, the rotational speed must increase to
keep the angular momentum the same.
● Rotational speed: increases. Since angular momentum is conserved, and the rotational
inertia decreases, the angular velocity must increase to balance the equation: L = Iw.
(found below)
Background Information:
The unit for angular momentum: kg m^2/s
Angular Momentum is a vector! To determine the direction we can use the right hand rule.
Watch this video and explain in your own words how the right hand rule shows the direction of
angular momentum.
Another Demo: Bicycle Wheel and Turn Table video
Example:
1. Suppose there is a spinning disk or wheel with some initial angular velocity. If the
spinning disk now has double the rotational inertia, how would the angular momentum of
the new spinning disk compare to the original?
L = Iw
L = 2Iw
The angular momentum would be double
2. If the disk has a rotational inertia of 0.0092 kg/m^2 and a net force of .8N was applied at
a radius of 0.02m for 5.0 seconds, calculate the change in angular momentum.
L = T(t)
T = (0.8 N)(0.02 m) = 0.016 Nm
L = (0.016 Nm)(5 s) = 0.08 kgm2/s
3. If the spinning disk now has double the rotational inertia, how would the change in
angular momentum of the new spinning disk compare to the original?
The angular momentum would be double
Workbook Practice:
● 7.I
Expand Your Thinking:
Research gyroscopes! How do they demonstrate the conservation of angular momentum? How
do they help airplanes fly? How are they used in navigating satellites or in space? (This video
may help!)
Gyroscopes consist of a spinning wheel or disk where the axis of rotation can move freely.
L = Iw
When the wheel spins, the gyroscope resists changes to its orientation. If tilted, the angular
momentum vector remains fixed, causing the gyroscope to precession - move perpendicular to
the applied force rather than tipping over.
Gyroscopes help airplanes fly through the attitude indicators and heading directors. The attitude
indicators show the plane’s orientation relative to the horizon. The turn coordinators help pilots
know the rate and coordination of a turn. These help maintain a fixed orientation in space,
providing a stable reference point for when the plane turns or changes altitude. Gyroscopes
help navigating satellites in space through attitude control and reaction wheels and control
moment gyroscopes. In the CMG’s, the systems use spinning gyroscopes to apply precise
torques to change a satellite’s orientation, helping it point antennas, camera, or solar panels in
the right direction.
