Angular Momentum of Bird Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the angular momentum of a bird flying directly over a field in relation to a man standing in that field. It is established that the bird possesses angular momentum with respect to the man, and vice versa. However, when considering the man-bird-field system as a closed system, the net angular momentum is zero, as angular momentum is conserved. The question raised about the relevance of this topic to the Quantum Mechanics forum highlights a potential misunderstanding of the subject matter.

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A bird flies in a straight line directly over a field. Does the bird have angular momentum with respect to a man standing in the field?
 
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jlancha1 said:
A bird flies in a straight line directly over a field. Does the bird have angular momentum with respect to a man standing in the field?
Yes.

Does the man have angular momentum around the bird?

Yes.

Do they have *net* angular momentum around their common center of mass?

No.[EDIT] More precisely, the net angular momentum is zero if you consider the man-bird-field system to be closed, and ignore the gravitational attraction between the man and bird.

Why?

Because angular momentum is conserved.

Now I have a question? Why was this posted to the Quantum Mechanics forum?
 
Last edited:

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