In an introductory physics course, there are three big ideas. There is the work-energy principle, the momentum principle and then the angular momentum principle. I'll skip the work-energy principle ...

Rotating objects carry angular momentum; this fact extends even to the tiniest of particles, such as photons. Photons possess not one but two distinct forms of angular momentum: spin angular momentum ...

One important form is called an optical vortex beam. Unlike an ordinary light beam with a flat wavefront, an optical vortex beam has a twisted, corkscrew-like phase structure and a dark center, much ...

Diving is among the most popular spectator events in the Olympics, a graceful sport that combines elements of gymnastics and dancing. It’s also an excellent example of physics in action. Let’s look at ...

Introduction You might have seen figure skaters spinning around quickly and then tucking their arms to spin faster—or opening them to spin more slowly. This happens, thanks to a physics concept known ...