Course Notes

Notes: Angular Momentum and Torque for a System of Particles (PDF - 2.9MB)^#

Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)

Chapter 10.6. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.

Video Excerpts

Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:

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» Clip 1: Ice Skater's Delight (8 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 20 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 2: Angular Momentum of a System (15 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 20 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 3: Supernova Explosions and Stellar Spin-up (10 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 20 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

Download the complete lectures from this course:

» iTunes U
» Internet Archive

Guided Activities

Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.

Slides: Conservation of Angular Momentum (PDF - 1.0MB)

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.

Concept Questions

Concept Questions (PDF)

Solutions (PDF)

Challenge Problems

Challenge Problems (PDF - 1.3MB)

Solutions (PDF - 2.5MB)

Problem Solving Help

In the following videos Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.

Help Session 1

Help Session 2

There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:

• Read the Physics material on Connexions:
  • Conservation of Angular Momentum
  • Conservation of Angular Momentum (Application)
  • Conservation of Angular Momentum (Check your understanding)
• Try the Conservation of Angular Momentum Tutorial from McGraw-Hill.