Conservation of Momentum on Inclined and Flat Surfaces

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SUMMARY

Momentum is not conserved for a cart on an incline when compared to a flat surface due to the influence of gravity, which acts as an external force on the cart. While gravity is a conservative force, it affects the cart's motion differently depending on the surface angle. On an incline, the cart experiences a change in velocity due to gravitational acceleration, leading to a higher final velocity compared to a flat surface. Therefore, the total momentum of the cart alone is not conserved, but the momentum of the entire system, including the incline and Earth, remains conserved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic principles of momentum and conservation laws
  • Knowledge of gravitational forces and their effects on motion
  • Familiarity with inclined planes in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in different systems
  • Explore the effects of external forces on momentum
  • Learn about inclined plane dynamics and gravitational effects
  • Investigate real-world applications of momentum conservation in physics
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High school students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of momentum and forces in motion.

EverythingIsACircle
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Would momentum be conserved on a cart if in one situation it is on an incline and the other it is on a flat surface(assuming it is pushed)

I am confused because I thought that since gravity is an internal force, it is a conservative force. But then the final velocity of the cart would be higher. Please help I'm in high school who's struggling in physics
 
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EverythingIsACircle said:
I am confused because I thought that since gravity is an internal force, it is a conservative force.
As far as the cart is concerned, gravity is an external force. Momentum of the cart will not be conserved. (Total momentum of the cart plus incline/earth will be conserved. In that system, gravity is an internal force.)
 

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