In the chapter summary (aka «glossary») on page 280
It says angular momentum is the capacity to make other objects rotate.
The word "make" does not belong here. It invokes notions of causation which are inconsistent with any real understanding of the laws of physics.
Similarly it says centripetal acceleration is required to make an object go around. Again, the word "make" does not belong here. It invokes notions of causation which are inconsistent with any real understanding of the laws of physics. In particular, consider the normal operation of a laboratory centrifuge. We control the rotation rate. It would make just as much sense (i.e. no sense at all) to say that the rotation causes the force, as to say the force causes the rotation. Also, a directly-centripetal force applied to a non-rotating object will definitely not make it rotate.
See also the general discussion of cause-and-effect in item #79.
Suggestions:
There is a perfectly good definition of angular momentum in terms of linear momentum.
L = r ∧ p
There is a perfectly good definition of centripetal acceleration, namely the component of the acceleration in the direction toward the (instantaneous) center of rotation.
In any case, momentum does not cause rotation, and acceleration does not cause rotation.
In the chapter summary (aka «glossary») on page 280
capacity to make other objects rotate. The word "make" does not belong here. It invokes notions of causation which are inconsistent with any real understanding of the laws of physics.to make an object go around. Again, the word "make" does not belong here. It invokes notions of causation which are inconsistent with any real understanding of the laws of physics. In particular, consider the normal operation of a laboratory centrifuge. We control the rotation rate. It would make just as much sense (i.e. no sense at all) to say that the rotation causes the force, as to say the force causes the rotation. Also, a directly-centripetal force applied to a non-rotating object will definitely notmakeit rotate.See also the general discussion of cause-and-effect in item #79.
Suggestions:
In any case, momentum does not cause rotation, and acceleration does not cause rotation.