The law of conservation of momentum states that when no external force acts on a system, the total momentum of the system remains constant.
If two or more bodies interact with each other, the total momentum before interaction is equal to the total momentum after interaction, provided no external force acts on the system.
Consider two bodies of masses m1 and m2 moving with initial velocities u1 and u2.
Total momentum before interaction:
m1u1 + m2u2
After interaction, let their velocities be v1 and v2.
Total momentum after interaction:
m1v1 + m2v2
According to the law:
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Q1. The law of conservation of momentum is valid when: A) External force is maximum B) External force is zero C) Internal force is zero D) Bodies are at rest Answer: B Q2. Momentum of a system remains constant if the system is: A) Closed B) Open C) Isolated D) Moving Answer: C Q3. Which of the following obeys the law of conservation of momentum? A) Falling stone B) Motion under gravity C) Collision of two balls D) Motion with friction Answer: C Q4. In the absence of external force, total momentum: A) Increases B) Decreases C) Remains constant D) Becomes zero Answer: C Q5. Recoil of a gun is explained by: A) Newton’s first law B) Newton’s second law C) Newton’s third law D) Conservation of momentum Answer: D Q6. Before and after interaction, total momentum of a system is: A) Different B) Zero C) Same D) Infinite Answer: C Q7. Which condition is necessary for conservation of momentum? A) Constant velocity B) Constant acceleration C) No external force D) Same mass Answer: C Q8. Explosion of a bomb is an example of: A) Law of inertia B) Newton’s second law C) Conservation of energy D) Conservation of momentum Answer: D
If no external force acts on a system, the total momentum of the system remains constant.
System must be isolated (no external force).
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Numericals and MCQs are frequently asked on conservation of momentum in collisions and explosions.