Conservation of momentum

Front

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

Back

The principle states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Front

What is momentum?

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, represented as p = mv.

Front

What is an example of momentum in everyday life?

Back

A moving car has momentum due to its mass and speed.

Front

How does momentum apply in a car crash?

Back

In a car crash, momentum is transferred between the vehicles and can cause injuries, which is why airbags are used.

Front

What happens to momentum when two objects collide?

Back

The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, assuming no external forces.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

An inelastic collision is one in which momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Front

How does the law of conservation of momentum relate to Newton's 3rd Law?

Back

Newton's 3rd Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, which explains how momentum is transferred between colliding objects.

Front

What is the formula for calculating momentum?

Back

p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Front

Can momentum be conserved in a system with external forces?

Back

No, momentum is only conserved in a closed system with no external forces acting on it.