Momentum Conservation in an Accelerating Coordinate System

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of momentum conservation in a non-inertial reference frame, specifically during a collision between two balls of mass m. The first ball, moving at speed v, collides with a stationary ball of the same mass, resulting in both balls moving at speed v/2 post-collision. The key conclusion is that the law of conservation of momentum does not hold in this accelerating coordinate system because it is not an inertial reference frame, where Newton's laws, including F=ma, are applicable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Basic principles of momentum conservation
  • Knowledge of collision dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differences between inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Learn about the implications of acceleration on Newton's laws
  • Explore momentum conservation in various collision scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of external forces in non-inertial frames
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in classical mechanics, particularly those studying dynamics and reference frames in collision scenarios.

Karol
Messages
1,380
Reaction score
22

Homework Statement


A ball of mass m travels with speed v, hits a stationary ball with the same mass m and after collision they both move at speed v/2.
From the point of view of the first ball the total momentum is -mv and after the collision it is 0. why isn't the law of conservation of momentum valid for this coordinate system?

Homework Equations


The first and second laws of Newton, F=ma and that a body is at rest while no forces act on it are valid in all coordinate systems moving at constant speed.

The Attempt at a Solution


The coordinate system has acceleration during the collision so F=ma isn't valid. i don't know to continue from here and i guess it's the right answer, no?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sounds good to me. The coordinate system attached to the first ball is not an inertial reference frame.
 

Similar threads

Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Spring momentum conservation problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why momentum of a ball bounced off a wall increases twice fold?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Is Linear Momentum Conserved in This Case? (sliding box hits a floor tile)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Angular momentum for a bullet and a rod attached to a ceiling
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Problem in understanding angular momentum of a rigid body
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
How Does Angular Momentum Conservation Affect Asteroid Collision Dynamics?
  • · Replies 335 ·
12
Replies
335
Views
17K
Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
5K
Angular and Linear Momentum Problem
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
Speed of charged balls after collision
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K