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mprm86
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What happens to the momentum of a car in movement when it stops?
In an isolated system, momentum is conserved. The momentum of the car when it brakes to a stop, is transferred to the earth. But the Earth's mass is so much larger than the car's that the Earth's change in rotation speed is not measurable.mprm86 said:What happens to the momentum of a car in movement when it stops?
Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, specifically the product of its mass and velocity.
When a car is in motion, it has a certain amount of momentum. In order to stop the car, this momentum must be reduced to zero. This can be achieved by applying a force in the opposite direction of the car's motion.
Momentum is important in car safety because it determines how much force the car exerts in a collision. The higher the momentum of a car, the more force it will exert upon impact, which can result in more severe damage or injury.
The momentum of a car is affected by its mass and velocity. A heavier car or a car moving at a higher speed will have a greater momentum.
The momentum of a car can be reduced when stopping by applying brakes or friction to the car's wheels. This will decrease the car's velocity and therefore its momentum.