Understanding Conservation of Momentum in Physics

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system of objects is constant if no external forces are acting upon it. How does this principle apply to a collision between two billiard balls?

Answer:

In the scenario where a stationary billiard ball is struck by a moving billiard ball which then stops completely, the first ball will move away at a speed of approximately 4.57 m/s. This is based on the conservation of momentum principle which dictates that the initial and final momentum of a system of objects are equal.

According to the principle of conservation of momentum, the initial and final momentum of a system of objects are equal. In the case of a stationary billiard ball being struck by a moving ball that stops, the first ball will move away at a speed of approximately 4.57 m/s.

The collision between the two billiard balls can be analyzed using the conservation of momentum equation: m1*u1 + m2*u2 = m1*v1 + m2*v2. Here, m1 and m2 are the masses of the first and second balls respectively, u1 and u2 are their initial velocities, and v1 and v2 are their final velocities.

In this specific example, the stationary ball has a mass of 0.14 kg and the moving ball has a mass of 0.16 kg with an initial velocity of 4.0 m/s. After the collision, the second ball stops completely.

By substituting the given values into the conservation of momentum equation and simplifying, we find that the speed at which the first billiard ball moves away is approximately 4.57 m/s.

For a more in-depth understanding of Conservation of Momentum principles, you can explore further resources on the topic.