Law of Conservation of Momentum

Definition

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it. In other words, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Related terms

Collisions: When two or more objects come into contact with each other and exchange energy and/or momentum.

Impulse:

The change in momentum experienced by an object when acted upon by a force for a certain amount of time.

Elastic Collision:

A collision where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.