How do I solve problems involving conservation of momentum?

AI Thread Summary
To solve problems involving conservation of momentum, it's essential to understand that the total initial momentum of a system must equal the total final momentum. This can be expressed mathematically as the sum of the products of mass and velocity for all objects before the event equaling the sum after the event. When setting up a problem, identify all objects involved and their respective masses and velocities. Use the equation (massA)(velocityA) + (massB)(velocityB) = (massA)(velocityA) + (massB)(velocityB) to solve for unknowns. Mastering this concept is crucial for accurately analyzing momentum-related problems.
shannon10
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i am confused on how to set up a problem involving initial and final momentum . . . please help
 
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What's your problem? Does this have to do with the conservation of momentum?
 
Conservation of Momentum. Initial momentum must equal final momentum. Therefore...

(mass)x(velocity) = (mass)x(velocity)

or...

(massA)x(velocityA) + (massB)x(velocityB) ... (massX)x(velocityX) =
(massA)x(velocityA) + (massB)x(velocityB) ... (massX)x(velocityX)
 

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