Re: [Phys-L] angular momentum

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 07/21/2014 11:38 AM, Paul Lulai wrote:
> Then even though p is constant, the position vector r is constantly 
> changing in both magnitude and direction.

OK.

> In this case, L is not constant.

OK.

> No torques, no interactions with something outside of my system (the
> ball and my oddly chosen origin), and L is not conserved.

Not OK.

I think the key here is the distinction between /conservation/
and /constancy/.

For all X, local conservation of X means that the amount 
of X in a given region is constant /except/ insofar as
it flows across the boundary into adjacent regions.

Ordinary straight-line momentum is *always* conserved.
For a ball, it is not constant, because momentum can
flow across the boundary.  Momentum flow can involve
short-range forces such as air resistance, and long-range 
forces such as gravitation.

Angular momentum is *always* conserved.  For a ball, 
it is not constant, because angular momentum can flow 
across the boundary.  Angular momentum flow can involve
short-range torques such as air resistance, and long-range 
torques such as gravitation.

For more about the relationship between constancy, conservation,
and continuity, see
  http://www.av8n.com/physics/conservation-continuity.htm

> is angular momentum only conserved if the ball is orbiting about the
> center of a circular path or a foci of an ellipse?

That is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for
conservation (or constancy) of angular momentum.

Any /central force/ automatically and obviously leaves the
angular momentum both conserved *and* constant.  This includes
the Kepler problem as a special case.

However, the fact remains that *any* interaction leaves the
angular momentum conserved, whether or not it is constant,
whether or not the mechanism of conservation is obvious.