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Conservation of Angular Momentum

Definition

The conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant if no external torques act on it. In other words, the rotational motion of an object will not change unless an external torque is applied.

Analogy

Imagine a figure skater spinning with their arms extended. As they bring their arms closer to their body, they start spinning faster due to the conservation of angular momentum. Similarly, when a rotating object contracts its radius, its rotational speed increases.

Related terms

Angular momentum: Angular momentum is a measure of how fast an object is rotating and how spread out its mass is from the axis of rotation.

Moment of inertia: Moment of inertia refers to an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion and depends on both the mass distribution and shape of the object.

Torque: Torque is a measure of how effectively a force can cause an object to rotate and is equal to the product of force and lever arm distance.