Can Non-Conservation of Momentum Be Explained by an Asymmetry of Space?

AI Thread Summary
Momentum conservation is linked to the symmetry of space, suggesting that an asymmetry in space leads to non-conservation of momentum and generates a force. This concept parallels the understanding of gravity, where force can be associated with spatial asymmetry. The example of two pool balls colliding illustrates that while energy can be conserved, momentum may not be, complicating the interpretation of forces in such scenarios. The discussion raises questions about whether non-conservation of momentum can be consistently viewed as a force. Ultimately, the relationship between space asymmetry and force remains a complex and unresolved topic.
azabak
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In the same way that momentum is conserved if and only if space is symmetric it can also be said that whenever space turns asymmetric momentum (of each individual particle) will not be conserved generating a force. Thus can we equate force with an asymmetry of space?
 
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That's what we do with gravity, more or less. I suppose it's possible to do with other forces as well.
 
It's not clear whether non-conservation of momentum would be experienced as a force.
Imagine two pool balls striking head on, one moving at speed U the other at speed V > U.
If each were to bounce back with the same speed it had before, energy would be conserved but not momentum. Seems to me you could not interpret this as the intervention of a mysterious force in a consistent way.
 
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