Is Angular Momentum Conserved in a System of Rotating Coils?

In summary, angular momentum conservation is justified when the net torque acting on the system is zero.
  • #1
i_island0
123
0
angular momentum conservation??

A coil of radius R carries a current I. The plane of another concentric coil of radius r (r << R) carrying current I is perpendicular to the first coil. Both are isolated from rest of the universe and are free to rotate about their common diameter (but not free to translate). Find the maximum KE of the smaller coil. (Assume that there is no friction anywhere).

My problem here is about angular momentum. Since angular momentum is conserved when the net torque acting on the system is zero. Can anyone justify as how angular momentum is conserved, if at all?

I was thinking that since the coils are only rotating, so its only torque that can do work. Since the system is isolated from rest of the universe, no external agent will do work in the system. So, the total energy of the system shall remain constant. (Assuming no heat loss as the coils are assumed to be resistanceless). So, the net torque acting on the system must remain zero.
But at the same time i also felt that the net WD by the torque may be zero, but still the net torque may not be zero.
Thus, from these arguments, what shall we conclude about angular momentum. Or is there any other arguments to justify the conservation of angular momentum or otherwise.

I was also wondering that since the coils rotate, emf will be induced in the coils, and so it will be tough to calculate the torque acting on both the coils during the process of its motion.
Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


why is no one answering this question?
 
  • #3


If you have a changing magnetic field and changing electric field,they store momentum,so you can't apply conservation of angular momentum to this situation...
 
  • #4


Thx, I will try to the same question using angular impulse, i guess it would work out that way.
 

FAQ: Is Angular Momentum Conserved in a System of Rotating Coils?

What is angular momentum conservation?

Angular momentum conservation is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total angular momentum of a closed system remains constant over time, unless acted upon by an external torque. This means that the amount of rotational motion in a system cannot change unless an external force is applied.

Why is angular momentum conservation important?

Angular momentum conservation is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of rotating objects, such as planets, stars, and galaxies. It also plays a crucial role in many practical applications, such as the design of satellites and spacecraft.

How is angular momentum conserved?

Angular momentum is conserved through the principle of action and reaction, also known as Newton's third law of motion. This means that for every torque or rotational force acting on an object, there is an equal and opposite torque acting in the opposite direction, resulting in a constant total angular momentum.

Can angular momentum be transferred between objects?

Yes, angular momentum can be transferred between objects through collisions or interactions. For example, when a figure skater pulls in their arms, they decrease their moment of inertia and increase their angular velocity, demonstrating the conservation of angular momentum.

Are there any exceptions to angular momentum conservation?

There are some situations where angular momentum may not be conserved, such as when there is an external torque acting on a system or when there is a non-conservative force, such as friction or air resistance. However, in most cases, angular momentum is conserved and remains a fundamental principle in understanding the behavior of rotating systems.

Back
Top