Angular momentum in particle interaction

In summary, when two electrons interact by exchanging a virtual photon, electron A gains momentum ##-\vec{p}## and electron B gains momentum ##\vec{p}##. If the two momentum vectors are not collinear, there will be extra angular momentum left over from the interaction. In a simple Coulomb interaction, the momenta of A and B are collinear, but in a general interaction, they may not be. This raises the question of how angular momentum is conserved in such cases. The classical Lienard-Wiechert theory suggests that if electron A has an acceleration perpendicular to the line A-B, then electron B will receive some momentum perpendicular to A-B in the opposite direction, resulting in a total momentum
  • #1
johne1618
371
0
Imagine that two electrons interact by exchanging a virtual photon.

Electron A gains momentum ##-\vec{p}## and electron B gains momentum ##\vec{p}##.

If the two momentum vectors are not collinear then there will be extra angular momentum left over from the interaction.

In a simple Coulomb interaction the momenta of A and B are collinear but I would have thought that in a general interaction they would not be. In that case how would angular momentum be conserved?

PS As the photon is virtual there isn't anything left in the EM field.
 
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  • #2
johne1618 said:
In a simple Coulomb interaction the momenta of A and B are collinear but I would have thought that in a general interaction they would not be.
Why do you think that?
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Why do you think that?

I can only think in classical terms using the Lienard-Wiechert theory.

If electron A has an acceleration perpendicular to the line A-B then electron B will receive some momentum perpendicular to A-B opposite A's acceleration.

Therefore the total momentum, ##\vec{p}##, transferred to B will not be parallel to A-B.
 

What is angular momentum in particle interaction?

Angular momentum in particle interaction refers to the measure of the rotational motion of particles as they interact with each other. It is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the conservation of rotational motion in a system.

How is angular momentum conserved in particle interaction?

Angular momentum is conserved in particle interaction through the law of conservation of angular momentum. This means that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant, unless an external torque is applied.

What is the role of angular momentum in the behavior of particles?

Angular momentum plays a crucial role in the behavior of particles as it determines their rotational motion and stability. It also affects how particles interact with each other and their surroundings.

Can angular momentum be transferred between particles during interaction?

Yes, angular momentum can be transferred between particles during interaction. This transfer can occur through collisions, electromagnetic interactions, or gravitational interactions.

How is angular momentum calculated in particle systems?

Angular momentum is calculated by multiplying the moment of inertia (a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion) by the angular velocity (the rate at which an object rotates). This can be represented by the equation L = Iω, where L is angular momentum, I is moment of inertia, and ω is angular velocity.

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