Another conservation of momentum question, but this one involves gravity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conservation of momentum in the context of a baseball thrown upwards on the moon. Participants explore how momentum is conserved within the baseball-Moon system, particularly considering the effects of gravity and the interactions between the baseball and the moon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the momentum of the "baseball-Moon" system will be conserved, while the momentum of the baseball alone would not be conserved.
  • Another participant questions the conditions under which momentum is conserved, seeking clarification on the concept.
  • A participant inquires whether the moon gains momentum in the direction the ball was thrown.
  • It is noted that the moon and baseball exert equal and opposite forces on each other, suggesting that if one gains momentum in one direction, the other must lose momentum in that same direction or gain it in the opposite direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the conservation of momentum, with some points being clarified while others remain contested. There is no consensus on the specific conditions or implications of momentum conservation in this scenario.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the conditions under which momentum is conserved, and there are unresolved questions about the implications of the baseball's motion and the moon's response.

kashiark
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If you throw a baseball up on the moon, and it comes down, how is momentum conserved?
 
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Momentum of the "baseball-Moon" system will be conserved, but the momentum of the baseball alone would not.
 
How? I don't understand.
 
kashiark said:
How? I don't understand.
How what? What specifically don't you understand?

What are the conditions under which momentum is conserved?
 
Does the moon gain momentum in the direction the ball was going?
 
The moon and baseball exert equal and opposite forces on each other. If one gains momentum in one direction, the other must lose momentum in that same direction (or gain it in the opposite direction).
 

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