Conservation Laws in Physics

Mr. Anderson explains the concept of conservation laws in physics, focusing on the importance of defining systems as open or closed. He uses examples like Legos, electric circuits, and Newton's Cradle to illustrate how energy, charge, and momentum are conserved within closed systems. The video emphasizes understanding system boundaries to apply conservation laws effectively.

What does the conservation of Legos in Mr. Anderson's example illustrate?

• The number of Legos changes with arrangement.

• Legos multiply in an open system.

• The number of Legos remains constant regardless of arrangement.

• Legos can disappear in a closed system.

What is a key characteristic of an open system?

• It has no exchange of energy or matter with the environment.

• It allows energy and matter to enter or leave.

• It is completely isolated from the universe.

• It only allows energy to enter but not leave.

In the context of the video, what would make an electric circuit a closed system?

• Allowing energy to flow in and out.

• Isolating the entire circuit from external influences.

• Connecting it to a power source.

• Removing all resistors from the circuit.

Why is the apple and basketball example initially considered an open system?

• Because the roof is not accounted for.

• Because the floor is not accounted for.

• Because the basketball is not accounted for.

• Because the apple is not accounted for.

What happens to the potential energy of a bowling ball in a closed system when it is released?

• It increases without limit.

• It remains as potential energy.

• It is lost to the environment.

• It is converted to kinetic energy.

How is charge conserved in the electroscope example?

• New charges are added to the system.

• Charges are removed from the system.

• Charges are created within the system.

• Charges move within the system without being added or removed.

What is transferred between the pendulums in Newton's Cradle?

• Angular momentum

• Potential energy

• Kinetic energy

• Linear momentum

What is conserved when a basketball transfers momentum to an apple?

• Total charge

• Total energy

• Total angular momentum

• Total linear momentum

What is necessary for conservation laws to apply to a system?

• The system must be in motion.

• The system must be at rest.

• The system must be closed or isolated.

• The system must be open.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding conservation laws?

• Conservation laws only apply to open systems.

• Defining the system correctly is crucial for applying conservation laws.

• Conservation laws apply to any system regardless of its state.

• Conservation laws are irrelevant in physics.