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Laws of Conservation of Momentum

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Law of Conservation of Momentum states that the total momentum of objects before and after collision remains constant. Before stating the Laws of Conservation of Momentum, we must first learn about momentum. The momentum of an object is a physical quantity that is defined as the product of the mass and velocity of the object. Momentum a vector quantity is very useful in Newtonian physics. The laws of Conservation of Momentum explain that the momentum of any system is always constant until an external force is applied. 

Let’s learn about the Laws of Conservation of Momentum, its derivation, formula, examples, and others in this article.

Momentum Definition

Momentum can be defined as a mass in motion. In quantitative terms, momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity. It is denoted by “p”. The amount of momentum possessed by an object depends upon two factors – its mass and its velocity. An object which does not have any mass will have zero momentum no matter how fast it moves. Similarly, a stationary object will always have zero momentum, whatever its mass may be. 

Let’s say the mass of the object is “m” and its velocity is “v”. Then the momentum “p” is given by, 

p = mv

The SI unit for momentum is Kg-m/s. 

Momentum: A Vector Quantity

A vector quantity is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Since momentum also depends on the velocity, it is a vector quantity. For example – a ball thrown toward the north will have a velocity toward the north. In that case, momentum will also point in the direction where the ball is moving. Its direction is the same as the direction of velocity. 

Learn more about Momentum

What Is Conservation Of Momentum?

Law of Conservation of Momentum is one of the basic laws of physics which is used derived from Newton’s third law of Motion. Conservation of Momentum states that the momentum of the system is always conserved, i.e. initial momentum and final momentum of the system are always conserved. We can also state that the total momentum of the system is always constant.

Conservation of Momentum

 

The law of conservation of momentum is mathematically and experimentally proven.

Law of Conservation of Momentum

The Law of conservation of momentum says that momentum is conserved for a system but we must note that this law is applicable to isolated systems i.e. there should not be any external forces acting on the system.

The law of conservation of momentum states that, 

“When no external forces are acting on a system, then the momentum of the system is conserved. Specifically, the total momentum of the system before and after any event remains the same.”

Consider a system of two point masses m1 and m2. Initially, these bodies were moving with the velocities u1 and u2. Now they collide with each other and their final velocities become v1 and v2. So, according to the law of conservation of momentum, 

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

This is true only when there is no external force applied to the system.

For a general system with n-particles. The law is given by the equation, 

m1u1 + m2u2 + ….. + m2un = m1v1 + m2v2 + ….m2vn

Derivation of Conservation of Momentum

The law of Conservation of Momentum is derived with the help of Newton’s third law of motion which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Consider two point masses m1 and m2. Initially, these bodies were moving with the velocities u1 and u2. Now they collide with each other and their final velocities become v1 and v2. Their time of collision is t.

Now the change in momentum of the mass A

△PA = m1(v1 – u1)

Now the change in momentum of the mass B

△PB = m1(v2 – u2)

From Newton’s law of motion,

FAB = -FBA….(1)

We also know that, 

F = △P/t

Thus,

FAB = △PA / t

FBA = △PB / t

Now, from (1)

△PA / t = -△PB / t

m1(v1 – u1)/t = – m1(v2 – u2)/t

m1(v1 – u1) = – m1(v2 – u2)

m1(v1 – u1) + m1(v2 – u2) = 0

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Why is Momentum Conserved? 

Momentum is conserved because of Newton’s Third Law of Motion. In a collision between two objects A and B. Object A experiences a force FAB which is due to B, similarly, object B experiences force FBA which is due to A. These forces must be equal according to Newton’s third law. Since the collision was for a very short time \Delta t

F_{AB}\Delta t = F_{BA}\Delta t

Now, this is a very short time. So, this is considered an impulse. An impulse is equivalent to a change in momentum. 

m_A\Delta v_A = -m_B\Delta v_B \\ m_A\Delta v_A  + m_B\Delta v_B = 0

Conservation of Momentum Formula

The mathematical formula for the Conservation of Momentum is given as,

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

where,
m1 is the mass of the first object
m2 is the mass of the second object
u1 and u2 are the initial velocities of m1 and m2 respectively
v1 and v2 are the final velocities of m1 and m2 respectively

Example of Conservation of Momentum

There are various examples that explain the law of conservation of momentum. Some of the most common examples of Conservation of Momentum are,

Recoil of the Gun

We have noticed that whenever we fire a gun we observe a recoil which is because of the law of conservation of momentum. As the bullet gains forward momentum we observed a backward momentum(motion) which is called the recoil.

Recoil of Gun

 

Motion of Boat

The motion of the boat is based on the concept of the law of conservation of momentum as when we push the water backward with the help of oars the boat is pushed forward because of the momentum.

Motion of Boat

 

Application of Law of Conservation of Momentum

As we have studied the Law of Conservation of Momentum is a highly useful law. It is used for various activities and has various applications some of the applications of the Law of Conservation of Momentum are,

Rocket Propulsion

Rocket Propulsion or launching of the rocket is based on the law of conservation of momentum. As in a rocket when hot gases are expelled from the exhaust of the rocket they provide the required velocity to the rocket.

Rocket Propulsion

 

Airbags Used in Vehicles

Airbags used in vehicles also work on the principle of the law of conservation of momentum as in case of collision they reduce the speed of the passengers diluting the energy of the impact.

Read More,

Solved Examples on Law of Conservation of Momentum

Example 1: Calculate the momentum of a ball thrown at a speed of 100 m/s and weighing 500g. 

Solution: 

Given
M = 500g and V = 100 m/s 

Momentum is given by, p = MV

p = MV

p = (500)(100) 
p = 50000 gm/s

p = 5 × 104 gm/s = 50 kgm/s

Example 2: Suppose two balls with a mass of 5 Kg and 2 Kg are moving in the same direction at 6 m/s and 2 m/s respectively collide, and after the collision, the 5 kg ball is moving at a speed of 5 m/s. What is the speed of the 2 kg ball?

Solution: 

Given
m1 = 5 kg and m2 = 2 kg 

Initial Velocities: u1 = 6 m/s and u2 = 2 m/s 

Final Velocities: v1 = 5 m/s and v2 = ?

According to the law of conservation of momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Now,

(5)(6) + (2)(2) = (5)(5) + 2(v2)

30 + 4 = 25+ 2(v2)

2v2 = 34 – 25 = 9

v2 = 4.5 m/s

Example 3: Consider a cannon that weighs 500 kg. It fires a cannonball at the speed of 200 m/s. The weight of the cannonball is 2 kg. Find the speed of the recoil for the cannon. 

Solution: 

Given
m1 = 500 Kg and m2 = 2 Kg

Initial Velocities,

Velocity of cannon (u1) = 0 m/s
Velocity of cannon ball (u2) = 0 m/s

Final Velocities,

Velocity of cannon (v1) = 0 m/s
Velocity of cannon ball (v2) = 200 m/s

Using the law of conservation of momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

(500)(0) + (2)(0) = (500)(v1) + 2(200)

– 400 = 500(v1)

v1 = -400/500

v1 = -0.8 m/s (here, – sign indicates that the recoil motion of the cannon is opposite to the motion of the cannon ball)

Thus, the cannon gun will recoil at a speed of 0.8m/s after firing the cannon.

Example 4: Find the velocity of a bullet of mass 8 grams when fired from a pistol of mass 2.4 kg. (Recoil velocity of the pistol is 1 m/s)

Solution:

Mass of Bullet, m1 = 8 gram = 0.008 kg

Mass of Pistol, m2 = 2.4 kg

Initial velocity of the bullet, u1 = 0

Initial Recoil velocity of a pistol, u2 = 0

Velocity of a bullet, v1 =?

Recoil Velocity of pistol, v2 = 1 m/s

Using the law of conservation of momentum,

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

(0.008)(0) + (2.4)(0) = (0.008)(v1) + (2.4)(1.5)

0 = (0.008)(v1) + 3.6

v1 = 3.6/(0.0008) = 350 m/s

Hence, the recoil velocity of the pistol is 350 m/s

FAQs on Momentum

Q1: What is Momentum? Give Examples

Answer:

Momentum is a vector quantity which is defined as the product of the mass and velocity of the object. Some examples of momentum are the change in velocity of an object when two objects collide, etc.

Q2: Is Momentum a Scalar or a Vector Quantity?

Answer:

Momentum of an object is a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction.

Q3: What does the Law of Conservation of Momentum State?

Answer:

Law of conservation of momentum state that, ” The total momentum of a system is always constant.”

Q4: What is the Formula for Law of Conservation of Momentum?

Answer:

The mathematical formula for the law of conservation of momentum is,

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Q5: What are examples of Law of Conservation of Momentum?

Answer:

Various examples of law of conservation of momentum are,

  • Rockets Propulsion
  • Firing a Bullet
  • Motion of a Boat


Last Updated : 19 Mar, 2024
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