Total Momentum of the System

Definition

The total momentum of a system refers to the combined momentum of all objects within that system. It takes into account both mass and velocity.

Analogy

Imagine you have several friends riding bicycles at different speeds towards a finish line. The total momentum of the system would be like adding up their individual momentums, considering both their masses (how heavy they are) and velocities (how fast they're going).

Related terms

Conservation of Momentum: The principle stating that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Impulse: The change in momentum of an object resulting from a force applied over a certain time interval.

Elastic Collision: A collision between objects where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.