What is the unit of angular momentum ?

This question was previously asked in
Official Soldier Technical Paper: [Trichy (CHE)] - 27 Dec 2020
View all Indian Army Technical Papers >
  1. Joule/s
  2. Kg m2/s
  3. kg m/s2
  4. kg/ms

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Kg m2/s

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF



  • Angular momentum (L): It is a vector quantity that requires both a magnitude and a direction.
    • The magnitude of the angular momentum is equal to its linear momentum and perpendicular distance r from the center of rotation to a line.
      • The unit of Angular Momentum is Kg m2/s.

L = p × r

Where p is linear momentum and r is the radius vector 


Angular momentum: The vector product of the distance r and linear momentum (mv).

L = p × r

L = m v r

Since p = mass (m) × velocity (v)

 L = Kg ms-1 m = Kg m2/s

  • Hence the unit of Angular Momentum is Kg m2/s.

Additional Information

  • Vector Quantity: That quantity that contains both magnitude and direction is called a vector quantity.
    • Examples: Velocity, Force, Angular momentum, Displacement, etc.
  • Linear Momentum: That physical quantity which the vector product of mass and velocity.

p = m × v (where m is the mass and v is the velocity)