How is Angular Momentum Conserved in a System Without External Forces?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of angular momentum in a system without external forces, specifically using the example of a planet orbiting the sun. Angular momentum (L) is defined as L = r X p, where r is the distance from the axis, and p is the linear momentum (p = mv). As a planet approaches the sun, its distance (r) decreases, leading to an increase in linear velocity (v) to conserve angular momentum. This increase in velocity results in a change in linear momentum (p), which is balanced by an equal and opposite change in the sun's linear momentum, thus maintaining the overall conservation of momentum in the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its formula (L = r X p)
  • Basic knowledge of linear momentum (p = mv)
  • Familiarity with the concepts of external forces and torques
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics, particularly planetary motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of angular momentum in closed systems
  • Explore the relationship between angular momentum and linear momentum in orbital mechanics
  • Investigate the effects of external forces and torques on momentum conservation
  • Examine real-world examples of celestial bodies and their momentum interactions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of momentum conservation in celestial mechanics and closed systems.

vivinisaac
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angular momentum trouble!

since the angular momentum of a particle moving about a fixed point (axis) is given by
L=r X p= r X mv
where;
L=angular momentum
r= distance from the axis
p=linear momentum of the particle
m= mass of the particle
v= linear velocity of the particle

but if the distance 'r' decreases linear velocity 'v' should increase due to the law of conservation of angular momentum

but if linear velocity 'v' of the particle decreases then the linear momentum 'p' would also decrease , but this is against the law of conservation of linear momentum.(there is no external force acting on the system)

how is this possible .pls explain

there r no external force acting on the system including torque (friction is neglected)
eg. a planet revolving around the sun,as it comes closer to the sun its linear velocity increases bcuz angular momentum must be conserved but the increase in velocity means that its linear momentum wud increase
 
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Please give a specific example of what you're talking about. Angular momentum is only conserved in the absence of external torques; linear momentum is conserved only in the absence of external forces.
 
vivinisaac said:
there r no external force acting on the system including torque (friction is neglected)
eg. a planet revolving around the sun,as it comes closer to the sun its linear velocity increases bcuz angular momentum must be conserved but the increase in velocity means that its linear momentum wud increase
In this case the system is "sun + planet". Neither the angular or linear momentum of the system changes. Of course, the planet's linear momentum changes as it nears the sun, but so does the sun's linear momentum; those changes are equal and opposite.
 

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