Conservation of Momentum
Definition
Conservation of momentum states that in any closed system where no external forces act, the total momentum before an event equals the total momentum after the event. Momentum refers to mass in motion.
Analogy
Imagine a game of pool where two balls collide. If the balls have equal mass and are initially at rest, after the collision, they will move in opposite directions with equal speeds. This demonstrates conservation of momentum.
Related terms
Impulse: The change in momentum of an object caused by a force acting on it for a certain amount of time.
Elastic Collision: A collision between objects where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.
Inelastic Collision: A collision between objects where only momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not conserved.
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