Q54 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (28 January Shift 2) · Physics

When the position vector $\vec{r}=x \hat{i}+y \hat{j}+z \hat{k}$ changes sign as $-\vec{r}$, which one of the following vector will not flip under sign change ?

  • Correct answer
    A
    Angular momentum
  • B
    Velocity
  • C
    Acceleration
  • D
    Linear momentum

Solution

The transformation $\vec{r} \to -\vec{r}$ is known as a parity transformation (inversion through the origin).
Vectors that change sign under parity are called polar vectors, while those that do not change sign are called axial vectors (or pseudovectors).
Velocity is defined as $\vec{v} = \frac{d\vec{r}}{dt}$. Since $\vec{r} \to -\vec{r}$, we have $\vec{v} \to -\vec{v}$.
Acceleration is defined as $\vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}$. Since $\vec{v} \to -\vec{v}$, we have $\vec{a} \to -\vec{a}$.
Linear momentum is defined as $\vec{p} = m\vec{v}$. Since $\vec{v} \to -\vec{v}$, we have $\vec{p} \to -\vec{p}$.
Angular momentum is defined as $\vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p}$.
Under the transformation $\vec{r} \to -\vec{r}$ and $\vec{p} \to -\vec{p}$, the cross product becomes:
$\vec{L}' = (-\vec{r}) \times (-\vec{p}) = \vec{r} \times \vec{p} = \vec{L}$.
Thus, angular momentum does not flip its sign under the transformation $\vec{r} \to -\vec{r}$.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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