In part a of the figure, particles 1 and 2 move around point O in circles with radii 2 m and 4 m. In part b, particles 3 and 4 travel along straight lines at perpendicular distances of 4 m and 2 m from point O. Particle 5 moves directly away from O. All five particles have the same mass and the same constant speed. (a) Rank the particles according to the magnitudes of their angular momentum about point O, greatest first. (b) Which particles have neagtive angular momentum about point O?

Explanation

(a) 1 and 3 tie, then 2 and 4 tie, then 5 (zero), (b) 2 and 3