Chapter 11.3, Problem 11.3GI

The figure shows three particles with the same mass m, all moving with the same constant speed v. Particle (1) moves in a circle of radius R about the point P, article (2) in a straight line whose closest approach to point P is the same as the circle’s radius R, and particle (3) in a straight line that passes through P. Which of these statements correctly describes the magnitudes of the particles’ angular momenta?

1. a. L₁ = L₂ = L₃ ≠ 0;
2. b. L₁ > 0, L₂ = L₃ = 0;
3. c. L₁ > L₂ > L₃ = 0;
4. d. L₂ = L₁ ≠ 0, L₃ = 0