Momentum is not always conserved when total mechanical energy is conserved. In the example of a ball falling from rest, the momentum of the ball increases continuously as it falls, indicating that momentum is not conserved in this scenario. However, the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant, as potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. This distinction highlights the difference between momentum conservation and mechanical energy conservation in physics.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy and momentum in physical systems.