Two particles A and B of masses m1 and m2 are moving in opposite directions with velocities v1 and v2 respectively. What is the total angular momentum of the system about a point O located at the midpoint between A and B?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Two particles A and B of masses m1 and m2 are moving in opposite directions with velocities v1 and v2 respectively. What is the total angular momentum of the system about a point O located at the midpoint between A and B?
(m1v1 + m2v2)r
(m1v1 - m2v2)r
0
(m1v1 + m2v2)/2
Since they are moving in opposite directions, the total angular momentum about point O is zero.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Two particles A and B of masses m1 and m2 are moving in opposite directions with velocities v1 and v2 respectively. What is the total angular momentum of the system about a point O located at the midpoint between A and B?
Solution: Since they are moving in opposite directions, the total angular momentum about point O is zero.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Identify the two particles A and B with masses m1 and m2.
Step 2: Note that particle A is moving in one direction with velocity v1.
Step 3: Note that particle B is moving in the opposite direction with velocity v2.
Step 4: Understand that angular momentum depends on the direction of motion and the distance from the point O.
Step 5: Since A and B are moving in opposite directions, their angular momentum contributions about point O will cancel each other out.
Step 6: Conclude that the total angular momentum of the system about point O is zero.
