BRAINCAKEConservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions
The principle of conservation of momentum applies in two dimensions as well as one. In a closed system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after it, both in size and in direction.
To solve a two-dimensional collision, resolve every momentum into components along two perpendicular axes, usually along and at right angles to the original direction of motion. Then write one conservation equation for each axis.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Momentum
- Conservation of Momentum
- Explosions vs Collisions
- Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
- Air Bags
- Conservation of Momentum as a Consequence of Newton's Laws
- Impulse and Force-time Graphs
- Adding Momentum
- Resolving Momentum
All 14 lessons in Momentum · All OCR AS-level Physics topics