Conservation of linear momentum

Definition

The conservation of linear momentum states that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it. In other words, the total amount of motion in a system does not change unless an external force is applied.

Related terms

Impulse: Impulse is the change in momentum experienced by an object when a force acts upon it for a certain amount of time.

Elastic Collision: An elastic collision is a collision between objects where both kinetic energy and linear momentum are conserved.

Inelastic Collision: An inelastic collision is a collision between objects where only linear momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not conserved.