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Law of Conservation of Momentum:
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The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that in a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision or interaction equals the total momentum after the interaction. This fundamental principle is derived from Newton's laws of motion.
The calculator uses the conservation of momentum equation:
Where:
Explanation: The calculator sums the momentum of all objects before interaction and shows that this total remains constant after the interaction, assuming no external forces.
Details: This principle is crucial for analyzing collisions, explosions, and other interactions in physics. It helps predict the outcomes of various physical phenomena and is fundamental to understanding mechanics.
Tips: Enter the mass (in kg) and velocity (in m/s) for each object. The calculator will compute the total momentum before and after interaction, demonstrating the conservation principle.
Q1: What is momentum?
A: Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity (p = m·v). It is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.
Q2: When does momentum conservation apply?
A: Momentum conservation applies in closed systems where no external forces are acting on the system.
Q3: What are some real-world applications?
A: Car crash analysis, rocket propulsion, sports physics, and particle collisions all rely on momentum conservation principles.
Q4: How is this different from energy conservation?
A: While both are conservation laws, momentum is always conserved in closed systems, while mechanical energy may not be conserved in inelastic collisions.
Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative as it's a vector quantity. Negative momentum indicates motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.