The conservation of linear momentum applies to all collisions.The total momentum is the vector sum of the momenta of all the objects in a system.In any interaction the total momentum before and after stays the same provided there is no external force.A resultant force will cause a change of motion therefore will change the momentum.In a perfectly elastic collision kinetic energy is conserved. In an inelastic collision kinetic energy is not conserved because it can be transferred to other forms of energy e.g. thermal energy.In any interaction in a closed system, momentum is always conserved.
Collisions
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Specification: Edexcel Physics (8PH0), AS-level, Topic 2: Mechanics. Topic: Momentum.
Key terms in this lesson
- closed system
- A system on which no external resultant force acts, so its total momentum stays constant.
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- Newton's Third Law of Motion
- Momentum Question 1
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All 9 lessons in Momentum · All Edexcel AS-level Physics topics