Conservation of momentum is valid here?

In summary, the conversation discusses the conservation of momentum when a car comes to a normal stop. It is explained that the conservation principle is not valid in this process due to the external force from the road or brake that acts on the car. This results in the car's momentum being zero after the stop, while it was non-zero before. However, when considering the entire car-earth system, momentum is conserved. It is noted that this can be a confusing concept for those learning about conservation of momentum. Additionally, it is mentioned that the car's kinetic energy is lost as heat to the car and surrounding during the stopping process.
  • #1
Mohammed Shoaib
17
0
Question says" When a car comes to a normal stop its momentum is not conserved. Does this violate the principle of conservation of momentum? Explain. What happens to the car's kinetic energy?"

My question is why momentum is not conserved when a car comes to a normal stop?
 
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  • #2
What is the momentum before and what is the momentum after the stop?
 
  • #3
Before stop the momentum is decreasing and after the stop it is zero.
 
  • #4
Then what about the principle of conservation of momentum?
 
  • #5
Yes, what about it? What are your thoughts?
 
  • #6
Momentum is conserved when no external force acts on the system. When the car comes to normal stop, the external force from the road or from the brake acts on the car to stop. Hence, the conservation of principle is not valid in this process. Am I right.
 
  • #7
And the kinetic energy of the car is lost as heat to the car and the surrounding.
 
  • #8
Mohammed Shoaib said:
Momentum is conserved when no external force acts on the system. When the car comes to normal stop, the external force from the road or from the brake acts on the car to stop. Hence, the conservation of principle is not valid in this process. Am I right.
And if you consider the entire car-earth system?
 
  • #9
Then momentum is conserved. Is it not?
 
  • #10
It sounds like you got it.
 
  • #11
Mohammed Shoaib said:
Then momentum is conserved. Is it not?
Yes, it should be. Yet the car momentum after is zero and the one before non zero.

This is a conundrum for many people who are just learning conservation of momentum.
 
  • #12
Orodruin said:
Yes, it should be. Yet the car momentum after is zero and the one before non zero.

This is a conundrum for many people who are just learning conservation of momentum.
Thanks for your kind help.
 

1. What is conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant over time, regardless of any internal changes or external forces acting on the system.

2. Why is conservation of momentum important?

Conservation of momentum is important because it allows us to accurately predict the motion of objects in a closed system. It is also a key principle in understanding and solving real-world problems, such as collisions and explosions.

3. How is conservation of momentum applied?

Conservation of momentum is applied by using the principle of the conservation of momentum equation, which states that the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction. This can be used to determine the velocities and directions of objects involved in a collision or explosion.

4. Is conservation of momentum always valid?

Yes, conservation of momentum is always valid in closed systems where there are no external forces acting on the system. In open systems, where external forces may be present, the law can still be applied by taking into account the change in momentum due to these external forces.

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

Some real-world examples of conservation of momentum include billiards, where the momentum of the cue ball is transferred to the other balls in a collision, and rocket propulsion, where the momentum of the exhaust gas propels the rocket forward. Another example is a car crash, where the total momentum before the crash is equal to the total momentum after the crash, despite the change in velocity and direction of the cars involved.

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