angular momentum vector

Question

Direction of angular momentum of a particle in uniform circular motion?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definition**: For a particle at position $\vec{r}$ relative to an origin with momentum $\vec{p}$, angular momentum $\vec{L} = \vec{r} 	imes \vec{p}$.
2. **Circular Motion**: $\vec{r}$ is the radius vector (outward) and $\vec{p}$ is tangent to the circle (along velocity).
3. **Cross Product Direction**: By the definition of a cross product, $\vec{r} 	imes \vec{p}$ must be perpendicular to both vectors.
4. **Outcome**: The resulting vector points along the axis of rotation, which is **perpendicular to the plane** of motion (Right-Hand Rule).

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angular momentum vector

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