A particle with position vector has a linear momentum p. Which of the following statements is true in respect of its angular momentum L about the origin?

Options

A. L acts along p
B. L acts along r
C. L is maximum when p and r are parallel.
D. L is maximum when p is perpendicular to r.

Answer

D

Explanation

Angular momentum `vecL` is given as `vecL = vecr xx vecp = rp sin theta`
where `, vecr` = position vector of the particle w.r.t. origin `vecp`= its linear momentum .
`vecr xx vecp` is maximum when `vecp` is perpendicular to `vecr ` i.e., `theta = 90`