Conservation of Momentum (Generalized Question)

AI Thread Summary
Momentum is not conserved in free fall because gravity acts as an external force, indicating that the system is not isolated. This understanding extends to other scenarios, such as in ball sports where external forces, like friction or air resistance, affect momentum. For example, in a game of tennis, the interaction between players, rackets, and the ball can demonstrate how external forces influence momentum. By isolating horizontal momentum, one can analyze the effects without the complicating factor of gravity. Overall, recognizing external forces is crucial for understanding momentum conservation in various systems.
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Homework Statement


Will momentum not be conserved in the case of a free fall because gravity is considered an external force? Is this because the system is not isolated? If this is the case, I understand the concept now, but could someone give me another example of an external force that will impact momentum in a way in which it wouldn't be conserved?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Any ball sport. E.g. a system of two tennis players, their rackets and the ball. Perhaps consider only horizontal momentum to take out the effect of gravity.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
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