Conservation of momentum apply
The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.
This principle is based on Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the context of momentum, this means that the total momentum of two objects before a collision is equal to the total momentum of the objects after the collision, as long as no external forces are involved.
Conservation of momentum is applicable in various scenarios, such as in collisions between objects. For example, if two cars collide head-on and stick together after the collision, the total momentum of the two cars before the collision is equal to the total momentum of the combined mass after the collision. This principle is often used in car safety and design, as it helps predict the outcome of a collision and minimize the impact on the occupants.
Another example is the conservation of momentum in sports. When a baseball player throws a ball, the momentum of the player and the ball before the throw is equal to the momentum of the player and the ball after the throw. This principle is used in sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer to understand how objects move and interact with each other during a game.
Overall, conservation of momentum applies in many physical systems and helps explain and predict the motion of objects in various scenarios. It is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics and has numerous applications in different fields.