Question about movement in isolated system

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of isolated systems and conservation of momentum. While forces may cancel each other out within isolated systems, they do not prevent the appearance of momentum or movement. The example of a rocket and gun ejecting material is used to explain how the center of mass remains unchanged while individual components may move due to external forces. The conversation also highlights the difference between equal and opposite forces acting on the same object versus different objects. Overall, the conversation raises questions about how forces and momentum are applied in different scenarios.
  • #36
Kenan said:
Ok I think I understand you,in the Münhausen example net force is zero because forces are acting on the same object.In the rocket/gun example both are moving because net force is not zero - forces are acting on different objects.Am I right now?
Yes. The net force on each 'piece' of the system is zero in the first example and non-zero in the rocket/gun example.
 
<h2>1. What is an isolated system?</h2><p>An isolated system is a physical system that does not exchange any matter or energy with its surroundings. This means that the total energy and momentum of the system remains constant over time.</p><h2>2. How does movement occur in an isolated system?</h2><p>In an isolated system, movement can occur through the exchange of internal forces, such as collisions between particles within the system. However, the total momentum of the system must remain constant, so any movement in one direction must be balanced by an equal and opposite movement in another direction.</p><h2>3. Can an isolated system have external forces acting on it?</h2><p>No, an isolated system cannot have any external forces acting on it. This would violate the definition of an isolated system, which states that it does not exchange any matter or energy with its surroundings.</p><h2>4. What is the relationship between movement and energy in an isolated system?</h2><p>In an isolated system, the total energy remains constant, meaning that any movement within the system must come from the conversion of one form of energy to another. For example, potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy to produce movement within the system.</p><h2>5. Is the movement in an isolated system predictable?</h2><p>Yes, the movement in an isolated system is predictable because the total energy and momentum of the system remain constant. This means that the laws of conservation of energy and momentum can be used to accurately predict the movement and behavior of the system over time.</p>

1. What is an isolated system?

An isolated system is a physical system that does not exchange any matter or energy with its surroundings. This means that the total energy and momentum of the system remains constant over time.

2. How does movement occur in an isolated system?

In an isolated system, movement can occur through the exchange of internal forces, such as collisions between particles within the system. However, the total momentum of the system must remain constant, so any movement in one direction must be balanced by an equal and opposite movement in another direction.

3. Can an isolated system have external forces acting on it?

No, an isolated system cannot have any external forces acting on it. This would violate the definition of an isolated system, which states that it does not exchange any matter or energy with its surroundings.

4. What is the relationship between movement and energy in an isolated system?

In an isolated system, the total energy remains constant, meaning that any movement within the system must come from the conversion of one form of energy to another. For example, potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy to produce movement within the system.

5. Is the movement in an isolated system predictable?

Yes, the movement in an isolated system is predictable because the total energy and momentum of the system remain constant. This means that the laws of conservation of energy and momentum can be used to accurately predict the movement and behavior of the system over time.

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