Question

Can momentum be conserved for a system if there are external forces acting on the system? If so, under what conditions? If not, why not?

a) Yes, if external forces are perpendicular to the system
b) Yes, if external forces are parallel to the system
c) No, momentum is always conserved
d) No, external forces always change momentum

Answer 1

Momentum can be conserved for a system if the net external force acting on the system is zero.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conservation of momentum principle can be applied to various systems, including those with external forces.

owever, for momentum to be conserved in a system with external forces, the net external force acting on the system must be zero.

If the net external force is not zero, momentum will not be conserved.

Therefore, option c) No, momentum is always conserved is incorrect.

The correct answer is a) Yes, if external forces are perpendicular to the system, and b) Yes, if external forces are parallel to the system.