Question

If the momentum of a system is to be conserved, which must be true of the net external force acting on the system?

A. nonzero but constant.
B. increasing
C. decreasing
D. zero

Answer 1

D. zero

Step-by-step explanation:

For momentum of an isolated or closed system to be conserved (initial momentum must equal final momentum), the net external force acting on the system must be zero.

There is always external forces acting on a system, for this system’s momentum to remain constant, all the external forces acting on the system must cancel out, so that the net external force on the system is zero.

`F_(ext) = 0`

Therefore, the correct option is "D"

D. zero