Momentum Conservation and Collisions Concept?

In summary, during the collision between a 100 kg man running and a 90 kg man walking, the total momentum is conserved. Despite the heavier man's velocity decreasing, the overall momentum remains the same due to the conservation principle.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A 100 kg man and a 90 kg man are rounding a corner and collide. The heavier man is running, while the 90 kg man is walking. What happens to the momentum of the 100 kg man? Does it increase, decrease, stay the same, or "is conserved"?


Homework Equations


Change in momentum = MV(final) -- MV(initial)


The Attempt at a Solution


Out of the multiple choice answers, I would think that his momentum would decrease because his velocity is decreasing, but I know that in such elastic collisions, momentum is ALWAYS conserved. This is why I'm confused. Any explanation would be greatly appreciated! :)
 
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  • #2
The total momentum is conserved. All the individual momenta are, generally, not or collisions wouldn't change anything!
 
  • #3
Thank you very much!
 

1. What is momentum conservation?

Momentum conservation is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant in the absence of external forces.

2. How is momentum conserved in collisions?

In collisions, the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This means that the sum of the momenta of all objects involved in the collision remains constant.

3. What are the types of collisions?

There are two types of collisions: elastic and inelastic. In an elastic collision, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved, while in an inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved.

4. How is momentum related to mass and velocity?

Momentum is directly proportional to an object's mass and velocity. This means that a heavier object or an object with a higher velocity will have a greater momentum compared to a lighter object or an object with a lower velocity.

5. What are some real-life examples of momentum conservation?

Some examples of momentum conservation in real-life include a moving car colliding with a stationary object, a billiard ball hitting another ball on a pool table, and a person jumping off a diving board into a pool. In all of these situations, the total momentum of the system remains constant before and after the collision.

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