Serway & Jewett — Angular Momentum: Problem 15

A ball having mass \( m \) is fastened at the end of a flagpole that is connected to the side of a tall building at point \( P \) as shown in Figure P11.15. The length of the flagpole is \( \ell \), and it makes an angle \( \theta \) with the \( x \) axis. The ball becomes loose and starts to fall with acceleration \( -g\hat{j} \). (a) Determine the angular momentum of the ball about point \( P \) as a function of time. (b) For what physical reason does the angular momentum change? (c) What is the rate of change of the angular momentum of the ball about point \( P \)?