Explain total momentum in physics.

Question

Ball A of mass 5 kilograms moving at 20 meters per second collides with ball B of unknown mass moving at 10 meters per second in the same direction.

 

When is total momentum greatest?

 

The answer is that, the total momentum is equal before and after the collision.

 

But why?? Explain…

Answer 1

Momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces. In a collision between any number of objects, there is no external force. Therefore, the initial momentum is equal to the final momentum.

 

The conservation of momentum is a core piece of information. If you have any questions about it, please ask.