1
vote
1answer
90 views

Can 3 photons be combined to give a spin-0 projection?

Motivation: The neutral pion decays to 2 photons ($\pi^0\to\gamma\gamma$) most of the time. For the decay of the neutral to 3 photons ($\pi^0\to 3\gamma$) we have an upper limit on the branching ...
2
votes
1answer
112 views

Angular momentum conservation while internal frictional torque is present

So this appears in a problem which looks simple enough in its context; It's something like this: Two discs, A and B, are mounted coaxially on a vertical axle. The discs have moments of inertia $I$ ...
0
votes
0answers
53 views

Conservation of angular momentum tensor $L^{\mu\nu}$ in special relativity [duplicate]

I have edited this question because I don't think that the related post answers my question fully. It refers to Noether's theorem but I would like an explicit illustration in an easier fashion: The ...
2
votes
0answers
90 views

Elastic collision of rotating bodies

How would you explain in detail elastic collision of two rotating bodies to someone with basic understanding of classical mechanics? I'm writing simple physics engine, but now only simulating ...
4
votes
2answers
337 views

Quantum Mechanics: Show that the expectation value of angular momentum does not change with time

The potential is given by $V\left(\left\|(x,y,z)\right\|\right)$, so $[\hat{L}, \hat{H}] = 0$. Using the definition of $\langle \hat{L} \rangle$ and the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, show that ...
3
votes
3answers
190 views

Where do the conservation laws come from?

I know the conservation of energy comes from Noether's theorem via the time-translational symmetry, and if I remember correctly, the conservation of momentum comes from space-translational symmetry. ...
4
votes
2answers
92 views

Thrust center in space

I have this dilemma: Suppose you have a space ship somewhere in deep space, where there is no drag force or substantial gravity. If the ship has a single engine situated in such a way that the center ...
3
votes
3answers
73 views

Trilinear gauge couplings: Spin

In non-abelian gauge theories self interaction of gauge fields is permitted, allowing coupling such as $WWZ$ (i.e. $Z$-boson decaying to $W^+W^-$) or ggg (i.e. gluon splitting into two new gluons). ...
1
vote
3answers
130 views

Displacement with zero velocity

I know that we can rotate a deformable object using internal forces only in space. Thus we can cause an angular displacement without the use of any external forces. The following youtube video shows ...
1
vote
2answers
79 views

Ice skater increase of energy

This may be a very basic question but I am not seeing how it works. Consider the standard example of an ice skate rotating about his/her center of mass and pulling in his/her arms. The torque is zero ...
4
votes
1answer
262 views

How does Delta baryon decay conserve angular momentum?

I'm a chemist so bear with me: I understand the Delta baryons $\Delta^{+}$ and $\Delta^{0}$ to be in some sense spin (and isospin) quartet states of the proton and neutron. These can decay straight ...
1
vote
2answers
959 views

Inelastic collision and conservation of linear and angular momentum

Is it possible for two spheres (a & b) to have an inelastic collision with BOTH the total linear and angular momentum preserved? I'm doing some physics simulation of some spheres attracting each ...
3
votes
1answer
477 views

Conservation of linear and angular momentum

Suppose I have two rigid bodies A and B and they are connected by a spring which is attached off-center (thus possibly causing torques). Due to the spring a force $f$ acts on A and a force $-f$ acts ...
2
votes
1answer
368 views

Conservation of angular momentum across different reference frames?

I saw the following problem from the USAPhO: A uniform pool ball of radius $r$ begins at rest on a pool table. The ball is given a horizontal impulse $J$ of fixed magnitude at a distance $\beta r$ ...
2
votes
3answers
826 views

Proving angular momentum is conserved for a particle moving in a central force field $\vec F =\phi(r) \vec r$

A problem I am trying to work out is as follows: A particle moves in a force field given by $\vec F =\phi(r) \vec r$. Prove that the angular momentum of the particle about the origin is constant. ...
2
votes
3answers
197 views

Should any theory of physics respect the principle of conservation of angular momentum or linear momentum?

Is it possible that a theory that can describe the universe at the planck scale can violate things that we now consider fundamental in nature?For example can it violate rotational and translational ...
0
votes
1answer
86 views

Period of an Object in Periodic Motion

My attempt (if it matters): The initial period is given by $T_X = \frac{2\pi X}{v}$ for some $v$. The new period is given by $T_Y = \frac{2\pi Y}{v}$ for the same $v$. $Y = \frac{X}{2}$, so ...
5
votes
1answer
192 views

Effect of the tail of the cat in the falling cat problem

To explain why a falling cat can turn by 180 degree without external torque and without violation of the conservation of angular momentum, one usually models the cat as two cylinders as in ...
3
votes
3answers
532 views

How do the Planets and Sun get their initial rotation?

How do the Planets and Sun get their initial rotation? Why do Venus and Mercury rotate so slowly compared to other planets and why does Venus rotate in a different direction to Mercury, Earth and ...
3
votes
1answer
486 views

Conservation of angular momentum for a nonrigid body

Question: The sun is not a rigid body but a hot ball of gas. The period of rotation varies from 37 days at the pole to 26 days at the equator. The mean radius of the sun is $7\times 10^8\text{ ...
0
votes
0answers
189 views

Am I doing this conservation of angular momentum problem correctly? [closed]

I am doing some calculations for a practical project of mine. Basically I have a levitating sphere with gravity countered and close to 0 friction when the sphere rotates(due to airdrag). Inside the ...