What does angular momentum describe in physical terms?

Angular momentum is a physical quantity that describes the rotational momentum of an object that is either spinning about an axis or orbiting another body. It is defined mathematically as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity. This concept is crucial in physics, especially when analyzing systems where rotation is a key factor, such as planets orbiting a star or a spinning top.

In essence, while linear momentum relates to the motion of an object moving in a straight line, angular momentum focuses on how objects behave when they rotate. Understanding angular momentum is essential for a range of applications, from engineering to astrophysics, as it helps predict how rotating bodies will behave in response to external forces.