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Found in: Page 355

### College Physics (Urone)

Book edition 1st Edition
Author(s) Paul Peter Urone
Pages 1272 pages
ISBN 9781938168000

# Describe two different collisions—one in which angular momentum is conserved, and the other in which it is not. Which condition determines whether or not angular momentum is conserved in a collision?

The application of torque decides whether the momentum is conserved or not.

See the step by step solution

## Step 1: Concept of law of conservation of angular momentum.

The law of conservation of angular momentum states that there will be no change in the angular momentum unless an external torque acts on the object. Angular momentum of a system is conserved as long as there is no external torque acting on the system.

## Step 2: Description of collision where angular momentum is conserved.

Consider the example of collision between two cars. Here, the momentum of one car is transferred to another car. The force each car decides the damage done to each other. The angular momentum before collision is equal to the angular momentum after the collision.

## Step 3: Description of collision where angular momentum is not conserved.

Striking of ball at the lower end of the bat which is fixed at the handle tip. When the ball hits the bat, both the bat and the ball move in opposite directions. In this case the angular momentum is not conserved.

Angular momentum is not conserved when there is a torque.