Angular momentum

Definition.
j =r p J = j i = ri pi

(D15) (D15)

Variation of angular momentum. The time variation of angular momentum equals the momentum of total external forces acting upon the system:
dj = r F dt dJ = ri Fiext dt

(D16) (D16)

For the demonstration see class lectures. Examples: Central forces, experience in class. The force in a central field is collinear to the radius ector: F = ar (a!" for attraction). #ence M = r ar = " and in a central field the angular momentum is constant as a vector $ the trajectory is planar.

General remarks for variation and conservation of energy momentum and angular momentum. %ariation theorems &i e alternati e solutions to the mechanics pro'lems, often easier than the usual in ol in& (e)tons la)s (remem'er *alileo formula). Conser ation conditions do the same in a more drastic )a+: , The conser ation of the an&ular momentum permits to sa+ that the mo ement is plane, thus reducin& the num'er of aria'les (three in space, t)o in plane) , The conser ation of ener&+ or of momentum reduces the num'er of aria'les and &i es some limits to the mo ement -ee applications in the chapter Central field