Conservation of linear momentum
What Conservation of linear momentum means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Conservation of linear momentum
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Reference: AQA
In a closed system with no resultant external force, total momentum before an interaction equals total momentum after it.
Total momentum is conserved in all collisions and explosions when no external resultant force acts.
Topics that use Conservation of linear momentum
- Momentum (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Algebraic modelling of collisions
- Area under a force–time graph
- Closed system
- Coalescence and explosions
- Consistency of units and signs
- Elastic versus inelastic collisions
- Explosions as momentum-conserving separations
- Impulse
Using Conservation of linear momentum in the exam
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