Question

State and prove the principle of law of conservation of linear momentum?

CLASS - XI PHYSICS (Laws of Motion)

Answer 1

The law of conservation of linear momentum states that if no external forces act on the system of two colliding objects, then the vector sum of the linear momentum of each body remains constant and is not affected by their mutual interaction.Alternatively, it states that if net external force acting on a system is zero, the total momentum of the system remains constant.Proof:Let us consider a particle of mass ‘m’ and acceleration ‘a’. Then, from 2nd law of motion,F = dP / dT If no external force acts on the body then, F=0,Therefore, F = dP / dT = 0 ‘P’ is constant or conserved.

Let us consider two bodies of masses m1 and m2 moving in straight line in the same direction with initial velocities u1 and u2. They collide for a short time ∆t. After collision, they move with velocities v1 and v2.From 2nd law of motion,Force applied by A on B = Rate of change of momentum of B                              FAB = (m2v2-m2u2)/∆tSimilarly,Force applied by B on A = Rate of change of momentum of AFBA = (m1v1-m1u1)/∆tFrom Newton’s 3rd law of motion,FAB = -FBAOr, (m2v2-m2u2)/∆t = -(m1v1-m1u1)/∆tOr, m2v2-m2u2 = -m1v1+m1u1Or, m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2. This means the total momentum before collision is equal to total momentum after collision. This proves the principle of co conservation of linear momentum.

Answer 2

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The principle of conservation of momentum states that if two objects collide, then the total momentum before and after the collision will be the same if there is no external force acting on the colliding objects.