Questions on classical mechanics

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Angular momentum is conserved when measured from the center of mass in a gravitational system, but varies with time when measured from other points. To determine a point from which angular momentum is conserved in complex systems, the center of mass is typically the reference frame used. Regarding conservative force fields, while energy conservation implies a conservative force, the reverse is not necessarily true. Kinetic energy conservation in elastic collisions does not automatically indicate a conservative force field. Clarifying questions can aid in understanding these concepts better.
Gavroy
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Hi
Question 1
i was wondering if there is any method to find the point from which the angular momentum is a conserved quantity. let me e.g. choose the case of a planet moving in an orbit around the sun. In this case, the angular momentum measured from the center of mass as the point of reference is conserved. But if i choose a different point, that is not exactly on the line connecting the planet and the sun, then the angular momentum is varying with time. so how do i found out how to choose this point, if the system is more complex?

Question 2
if F is a conservative force field, then the energy is conserved. is the converse, the energy is conserved, therefore we have a conservative force field also true?
 
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Gavroy said:
Hi
Question 1
i was wondering if there is any method to find the point from which the angular momentum is a conserved quantity. let me e.g. choose the case of a planet moving in an orbit around the sun.
To be more precise: the sun and the planet each orbit their common center of mass.
In this case, the angular momentum measured from the center of mass as the point of reference is conserved. But if i choose a different point, that is not exactly on the line connecting the planet and the sun, then the angular momentum is varying with time.
But it is still conserved.
so how do i found out how to choose this point, if the system is more complex?
You mean you want to find a reference frame in which a particular bodies angular momentum is a constant?

Is it not always the center of mass for gravitating systems?

Question 2
if F is a conservative force field, then the energy is conserved. is the converse, the energy is conserved, therefore we have a conservative force field also true?
Kinetic energy is conserved in an elastic collision: is the collision an example of a conservative force field?
 
Thank you for your answer, but is this a question or an answer?
Simon Bridge said:
Is it not always the center of mass for gravitating systems?
 
Thank you for your answer, but is this a question or an answer?
That's up to you :) Both - I hope.

It can be hard to tell if a statement followed by a question mark is an actual question or a rhetorical question.
All the questions in post #2 can be safely treated as actual questions. I am posing them as a way to help you clarify your thinking and so find the answers you seek.
 
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