Explain the difference between angular momentum and torque?

1 Answer
Mar 6, 2016

Please see below.

Explanation:

We know from Newton's first law that a moving object continues to remain in motion until an external force is applied on it. This is due to its linear momentum.

Angular momentum applies similarly to rotation of a body. A spinning top continues to rotate due to its angular momentum and heavier the top higher the angular momentum. Torque is the equivalent of force for rotational motion.

Torque can be described as a twisting force that causes rotation.

Angular momentum #L# is defined as moment of inertia #I# times angular velocity #omega#, while moment of inertia is a measurement of an object's ability to resist angular acceleration.

Torque #tau# is a force #F# multiplied by a radius #r# multiplied by the sine of the angle at which the force is applied.