Why is angular momentum not conserved in 2 similar mass planet system?

Thread starter td21
Start date Apr 16, 2014
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Angular Angular momentum Mass Momentum Planet System

In summary, angular momentum is not conserved in a 2 similar mass planet system due to the presence of external forces, such as gravitational forces from other celestial bodies. In theory, it can be conserved if the system is isolated, but in reality, this is often not the case. The distance between the planets can also affect their angular momentum, as well as other factors such as the shape and size of the planets, the presence of other objects, and the distribution of mass. The conservation of angular momentum is a fundamental law of physics that applies to all rotating or orbiting objects, not just 2 similar mass planets.

Apr 16, 2014

td21

Gold Member

The two mass is similar. I read a line about this and i thought L should be conserved before. What is the background knowledge behind? Thank you.

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Apr 17, 2014

Simon Bridge

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

I read a line about this...

Where did you read this line?

There is no way to answer this question without the proper context.

1. Why is angular momentum not conserved in a 2 similar mass planet system?

Angular momentum is not conserved in a 2 similar mass planet system due to the presence of external forces, such as gravitational forces from other celestial bodies, which can affect the rotation of the planets and change their angular momentum.

2. Can angular momentum be conserved in a 2 similar mass planet system?

In theory, yes, angular momentum can be conserved in a 2 similar mass planet system if there are no external forces acting on the planets and the system is isolated. However, in reality, it is difficult to find a perfectly isolated system, so angular momentum is often not conserved.

3. How does the distance between the 2 planets affect their angular momentum?

The distance between the 2 planets can affect their angular momentum because as the distance decreases, the gravitational force between the planets increases, causing their rotational speed to increase and their angular momentum to change.

4. Are there any other factors that can affect the conservation of angular momentum in a 2 similar mass planet system?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the conservation of angular momentum in a 2 similar mass planet system, such as the shape and size of the planets, the presence of other objects in the system, and the distribution of mass within the planets.

5. Can the conservation of angular momentum be applied to other systems besides 2 similar mass planets?

Yes, the conservation of angular momentum can be applied to other systems besides 2 similar mass planets, such as a spinning top, a rotating wheel, or a swinging pendulum. It is a fundamental law of physics that applies to all rotating or orbiting objects.