- #1
MattsVai
- 37
- 0
I have a fundamental question regarding conservation of momentum (not homework).
So if we have a system of 2 balls, identical in size and weight, one of which is initially stationary until hit by the other ball. We have the following:
m1v1 + 0 = 0 + m2v2
or v2 = v1
and therefore there is conservation of momentum. Now what happens when say a biker hits the pavement with his helmet... how does momentum conserve? Is this a system of Earth vs bikers head? How can I quantify the conservation of momentum? having a hard time understanding...
So if we have a system of 2 balls, identical in size and weight, one of which is initially stationary until hit by the other ball. We have the following:
m1v1 + 0 = 0 + m2v2
or v2 = v1
and therefore there is conservation of momentum. Now what happens when say a biker hits the pavement with his helmet... how does momentum conserve? Is this a system of Earth vs bikers head? How can I quantify the conservation of momentum? having a hard time understanding...