angular momentum

noun

: a vector quantity that is a measure of the rotational momentum of a rotating body or system, that is equal in classical physics to the product of the angular velocity of the body or system and its moment of inertia with respect to the rotation axis, and that is directed along the rotation axis

Examples of angular momentum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now that only their back is in contact with the ground, the linear momentum from their leg turns into angular momentum, which rotates the athlete around an axis that extends upward from their back’s contact point with the ground. —

Amy Pope, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2024 This principal is called conservation of angular momentum. —

Amy Pope, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2024 To conserve angular momentum, the moon speeds up a teensy tiny amount, and thus moves away from us. —

Popsci Staff, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2024 In reality, the splitting is due to the quantization of the electron’s internal angular momentum — a quantity known as spin, which wouldn’t be discovered for a few more years. —

Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for angular momentum

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'angular momentum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of angular momentum was in 1817

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Angular momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angular%20momentum. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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