Question about conservation of momentum

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum in a closed system remains constant. This law is important in understanding and predicting the behavior of objects in motion, and it is conserved in collisions due to the equal and opposite forces between objects. According to the law, momentum cannot be created or destroyed, and it is closely related to Newton's Third Law.
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If object A and object B collide. Object A is going horizontally while object B is going up-diagonally. We find the momentum of object A to be 10 kg m/s while the momentum of B is 20 kgm/s. Does that mean that in the entire system after the collision there will have to be 10 kg m/s horizontally and 20 kgm/s up and diagonally or can there be let's say 15 horizontally and 15 up diagonally?

I hope it's not confusing, sorry if it is.
 
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FAQ: Question about conservation of momentum

What is conservation of momentum?

The law of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This means that the total amount of momentum in a system remains constant, even if objects within the system collide or interact with each other.

Why is conservation of momentum important?

Conservation of momentum is important because it is a fundamental law of physics that helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in motion. It allows us to analyze and determine the outcome of collisions and interactions between objects, which is crucial in fields such as engineering, mechanics, and astrophysics.

How is momentum conserved in a collision?

In a collision, momentum is conserved because the total momentum of the objects before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This is due to the fact that the forces acting on the objects during the collision cancel each other out, resulting in no net change in momentum.

Can momentum be created or destroyed?

No, according to the law of conservation of momentum, momentum cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred from one object to another. This means that the total momentum in a closed system will always remain constant.

How does conservation of momentum relate to Newton's Third Law?

Conservation of momentum and Newton's Third Law are closely related. Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that the forces between two objects are equal and opposite. In a collision, these equal and opposite forces result in the conservation of momentum, as the total momentum remains constant due to the action-reaction forces.

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