Simple explanations are given of three examples of zero angular momentum turns. Humans and cats free of external torques can use internal forces to move parts of their bodies to produce angular momenta L1 and L2 of the parts, whose vector sum may not be zero. Conservation of angular momentum then requires an L3 of the whole body so that L1+L2+L3=0. This can produce a rotation or partial rotation of the body in the absence of any external torque or initial angular momentum.
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© 1986 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1986
American Association of Physics Teachers
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