Conserved Momentum

Definition

Conserved momentum means that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it. In other words, when objects interact within a closed system, their combined momenta before and after remain unchanged.

Related terms

Elastic Collision:

An elastic collision occurs when two objects collide and bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy.

Inelastic Collision:

An inelastic collision happens when two objects collide and stick together, resulting in some loss of kinetic energy.

Recoil: Recoil refers to the backward movement experienced by an object when another object exerts force on it according to Newton's third law.