Angular Momentum
A quantity obtained by multiplying the mass of an orbiting body by its velocity
and the radius of its orbit. According to the conservation laws of physics, the
angular momentum of any orbiting body must remain constant at all points in the
orbit, i.e., it cannot be created or destroyed.
If the
orbit is elliptical the radius will vary. Since the mass is constant, the
velocity changes. Thus planets in elliptical orbits travel faster at perihelion and
more slowly at aphelion. A
spinning body also possesses spin angular momentum.
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