The conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant over time, unless an external force acts on the system. In simpler terms, it means that momentum cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one object to another.
Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity. The equation for momentum is: p = m * v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Momentum is typically measured in units of kilogram-meters per second (kg*m/s).
Yes, momentum can be negative. Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Negative momentum simply indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of its defined positive direction. For example, if an object is moving to the left, its momentum would be negative if the positive direction is to the right.
An elastic collision is a type of collision in which kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. In other words, the total kinetic energy and total momentum of the system before and after the collision are the same. This type of collision is often seen in billiards or other sports where objects collide without sticking together.
Yes, momentum can be transferred between objects of different masses. In fact, the change in momentum of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it. This means that a smaller object can have the same change in momentum as a larger object if it experiences a greater force.