Chapter 8, Problem 16A

What does it mean to say that momentum is conserved?

To determine

To define:The meaning of momentum conservation.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Any quantity is said to be conserved if there is no change in the same with the absence of any external stimulus. In the case of bodies under motion, the conservation of momentum is an important phenomenon

The momentum of a body represents its inertia while in motion. It can be expressed as the product of mass and velocity of the body,

  $\text{Momentum}=mv$

When there is no external force, if its velocity does not change and in turn its momentum remains constant, the momentum of the body is said to be “conserved”. This forms the law of conservation of momentum. This can be mathematically expressed as,

  $\Delta mv=0$

It can be applied in objects undergoing collision. Here, the momentum conservation implies that, the total momentum of the bodies under collision remains the same as the initial value even after collision. This can be expressed as,

  $m_1{v}_1=m_2{v}_2$