Conservation of angular momentum.

In summary, the conversation discusses the conservation of angular momentum around the bottom left corner in a setup involving a square and a body leaping towards the opposite side. The new center of mass of the system is found, but it is unclear why there would be no external torques around the bottom left corner. One person suggests that gravity may produce a torque, but it is not clear why this would not be the case.
  • #1
peripatein
880
0
Why is angular momentum conserved around the bottom left corner in the following set up (see attachment)? The attachment shows a square of side a and mass 4m, and a body of mass m leaping with velocity v0 as shown in the attachment towards the opposite side of the square. I have found the new center of mass of the system but do not quite understand why there would be no external torques in action around the bottom left corner. I'd appreciate some insight.
 

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  • #2
There seems to be no external forces to produce any external torques.
 
  • #3
What about gravity, acting downwards from the new center of mass (of the body that has leaped and reached the opposite side of the square and the square)? With respect to the bottom left corner, why won't gravity exercise a torque?
 

FAQ: Conservation of angular momentum.

1. What is the definition of conservation of angular momentum?

Conservation of angular momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant if no external torque is applied.

2. How is angular momentum defined?

Angular momentum is the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity, and is a measure of its rotational motion.

3. What is an example of conservation of angular momentum?

A spinning ice skater pulling in their arms will spin faster due to the conservation of angular momentum. Since the skater's moment of inertia decreases, their angular velocity must increase to maintain the same angular momentum.

4. How is conservation of angular momentum related to Newton's first law?

Conservation of angular momentum can be seen as a manifestation of Newton's first law, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force. In the case of angular momentum, the constant velocity is replaced by a constant angular momentum.

5. What are real-world applications of conservation of angular momentum?

Conservation of angular momentum has many practical applications, such as the stability of satellites in orbit, the operation of gyroscopes in navigation systems, and the motion of spinning objects, such as tops and yo-yos.

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