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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The idea hewed to a physical concept known as conservation of angular momentum, which states that bodies that aren’t rotating won’t start unless some external force is applied. 
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2022 In addition, the researchers did not determine precisely how small the ratio of angular momentum to mass has to be in order to ensure stability. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 4 Aug. 2022 Pasterski established a connection between a different set of symmetries and a spin memory effect, where space-time becomes gnarled and twisted from gravitational waves that carry angular momentum. Katie Mccormick, Quanta Magazine, 8 Dec. 2021 So arm swing isn’t the only way of balancing angular momentum, but it’s the simplest and most obvious one. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Apr. 2022 The standard answer is that arm swing counteracts the angular momentum—that is, the body’s twisting back and forth—produced by the motion of the legs. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Apr. 2022 The ball’s initial position, its kinetic energy, its angular momentum – and all the other factors: the friction acting on the ball, the ricketiness of the table, the crookedness of the house. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2022 The first element a skater must control is angular momentum. Allison Goldstein, Popular Mechanics, 4 Feb. 2022 With a push in the opposite direction, the angular momentum decreases. Rhett Allain, Wired, 24 Sep. 2021 See More
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2022 In addition, the researchers did not determine precisely how small the ratio of angular momentum to mass has to be in order to ensure stability. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 4 Aug. 2022 Pasterski established a connection between a different set of symmetries and a spin memory effect, where space-time becomes gnarled and twisted from gravitational waves that carry angular momentum. Katie Mccormick, Quanta Magazine, 8 Dec. 2021 So arm swing isn’t the only way of balancing angular momentum, but it’s the simplest and most obvious one. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Apr. 2022 The standard answer is that arm swing counteracts the angular momentum—that is, the body’s twisting back and forth—produced by the motion of the legs. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 Apr. 2022 The ball’s initial position, its kinetic energy, its angular momentum – and all the other factors: the friction acting on the ball, the ricketiness of the table, the crookedness of the house. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2022 The first element a skater must control is angular momentum. Allison Goldstein, Popular Mechanics, 4 Feb. 2022 With a push in the opposite direction, the angular momentum decreases. Rhett Allain, Wired, 24 Sep. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1817, in the meaning defined above