Maximum possible momentum change in isolated system

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of momentum in an isolated system, where the total momentum remains the same regardless of collisions. The maximum possible change in momentum can vary depending on factors such as mass and material. The conversation also mentions the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, and the possibility of objects "pushing off" each other to provide more energy. The formula for finding the maximum possible change in momentum using kinetic energy is also mentioned.
  • #1
xailer
23
0
hello. If in isolated system two objects (one wih momentum 6 and the other with momentum 3)collide, total momentum of the system always remains the same (total_momentum=9).

Depending on the mass, material of objects and some other variables, the change of momentum could vary. Does maximum possible change of momentum equal (for this example) 6? Does it have something to do with kinetic energy? Else why couldn't change of momentum be some larger value,like 10^4? Total momentum would still be the same!


How do we find with help of kinetic energy formula, maximum possible change of momentum in an isolated system?

thank you
 
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  • #2
The total kinetic energy after the collision must be less than or equal to the energy before. This is true unless the two objects "push off" each other, providing more energy (from inside of them, like energy in your muscles). In this case, the velocities and the differences in momentum can be arbitrarily large.
 
  • #3
durt said:
The total kinetic energy after the collision must be less than or equal to the energy before. This is true unless the two objects "push off" each other, providing more energy

This "push off" doesn't happen when ordinary objects like balls or rocks... collide?

How do we find with help of kinetic energy formula, maximum possible change of momentum in an isolated system?
 

1. What is the concept of maximum possible momentum change in an isolated system?

The maximum possible momentum change in an isolated system refers to the maximum amount of momentum that can be transferred from one object to another within the system, while still maintaining the total momentum of the system at zero. This means that for every increase in momentum of one object, there must be an equal and opposite decrease in momentum of another object within the system.

2. How is the maximum possible momentum change calculated in an isolated system?

The maximum possible momentum change is calculated by considering the total initial momentum and the total final momentum of the system. The difference between these two values represents the maximum possible momentum change in the system. This calculation is based on the principle of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant.

3. Can the maximum possible momentum change ever be greater than the initial momentum of the system?

No, the maximum possible momentum change in an isolated system can never be greater than the initial momentum of the system. This is because the principle of conservation of momentum dictates that the total momentum of an isolated system must remain constant. Any change in momentum must be balanced by an equal and opposite change in momentum within the system.

4. How does the concept of maximum possible momentum change relate to Newton's third law of motion?

The concept of maximum possible momentum change is closely related to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that for every increase in momentum of one object, there must be an equal and opposite decrease in momentum of another object within the system. The maximum possible momentum change in an isolated system is a direct result of this law.

5. Can the maximum possible momentum change be affected by external forces?

No, the maximum possible momentum change in an isolated system is not affected by external forces. This is because an isolated system is defined as one that is not influenced by any external forces. Any changes in momentum within an isolated system must be a result of interactions within the system itself, and external forces cannot impact these interactions.

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