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The equation is:

In any closed system,

Final total momentum = Initial total momentum

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For mathematical purposes:

In relation to collisions:

Total momentum is conserved, assuming a closed system of forces.

If you have two bodies colliding, A and B, the change in the momentum of A will be equal to the negative change in momentum of B. This is because of Newton's 3rd Law (action and reaction forces equal and opposite).

ΔpA = -ΔpB (where p is momentum)

That in itself already represents the concept of the conservation of momentum, but if you want to break it down further:

Substituting the equation p = mv into the above equation,

mAvA - mAuA = - ( mBvB - mBuB), or

mAuA + mBuB = mAvA+ mBvB (equation 1)

where m is mass, u is initial velocity and v is final velocity.

This means that total initial momentum = total final momentum, which is the law of conservation of momentum.

If you're dealing with elastic collisions, you can simplify it to this:

uA - uB = vB - vA

If you want to prove it, substitute equation 1 into Ek = (1/2)(mv2) and call the resulting equation "equation 2". Then solve equation 1 and equation 2 to get the simplified equation shown above.

Please note this simplified equation is ONLY for elastic collisions because it is only in ellastic collisions that kinetic energy is also conserved.

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Solon Zboncak

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2y ago

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