How is Angular Momentum Conserved in Electromagnetic Fields?

In summary, the conservation of angular momentum is applicable to a macroscopic system of sources and electromagnetic fields in a uniform isotropic dispersionless medium with permittivity epsilon and permeability mu. The differential form of the conservation law is ∂/∂t(Lfield + Lmech) + div(M) = 0, where L-field = μεx x (Ex H) and M = T x x, with T being the Maxwells stress tensor. To get started, it is recommended to refer to a textbook such as "Classical Electromagnetism" by Franklin, which explains the use of E, D, B, and H in the derivation of linear momentum.
  • #1
golfingboy07
17
0
Question1: Discuss the conservation of angular momentum for a macroscopic system of sources and Electromagnetic fields in a uniform isotropic dispersionless medium of permittivity epsilon and permeability mu.
Question2: Show that the differential form of the conservation law is:

∂/∂t(Lfield + Lmech) + div(M) = 0

where L-field = μεx x (Ex H)

and M = T x x

T is the Maxwells stress tensor

I am wanting help with both these questions
1st question: Would like some help to get started such as a couple of bullet points
2nd question: Not sure where to start

Thanks

GM
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The derivation for linear momentum is in most textbooks. Just repeat it for rXP. I suggest you look at "Classical Electromagnetism" by Franklin, which shows when to use E,D,B,H.
 

FAQ: How is Angular Momentum Conserved in Electromagnetic Fields?

1. What is 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 in the absence of external torques.

2. How is angular momentum defined?

Angular momentum is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity. Mathematically, it can be represented as L = Iω, where L is angular momentum, I is moment of inertia, and ω is angular velocity.

3. What is the relationship between angular momentum and rotational motion?

Angular momentum and rotational motion are closely related, as angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object. When an object is rotating, its angular momentum is conserved as long as there are no external torques acting on it.

4. How does conservation of angular momentum apply to real-world situations?

Conservation of angular momentum has many real-world applications, such as in the motion of planets and satellites, gyroscopic stabilization, and the spin of atoms and subatomic particles. It is also important in understanding the behavior of rotating objects, such as frisbees and spinning tops.

5. Can angular momentum be created or destroyed?

No, according to the principle of conservation of angular momentum, angular momentum cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred between different objects or systems. This means that the total angular momentum of a closed system will remain constant.

Similar threads

Ballentine Problem 7.1 Orbital Angular Momentum
Replies
21
Views
1K
Lagrangian for relativistic angular momentum
Replies
1
Views
2K
Find angular momentum of EM field in terms of q and ##\Phi##
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Conservation of angular momentum during collisions
Replies
3
Views
2K
Hydrogen Atom in an electric field along ##z##
Replies
0
Views
212
Conservation of angular momentum under central forces
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Do electromagnetic fields have momentum?
Replies
15
Views
477
Conceptual questions about Angular Momentum Conservation and torque
Replies
2
Views
2K
Kepler's Third Law vs Conservation of angular momentum
Replies
8
Views
2K
Angular Momentum Conservation (Lorentz transf. + Noether Th.)
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top