Isolated system

Definition

An isolated system is a physical system with no external forces acting on it, meaning its total momentum remains constant. It is a key concept in studying collisions and conservation of momentum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In an isolated system, the total momentum before and after a collision is conserved.
2. External forces are absent in an isolated system, which differentiates it from closed or open systems.
3. The principle of conservation of momentum relies on the assumption that the system is isolated.
4. Isolated systems can include two colliding objects where no external force influences their interaction.
5. Analyzing problems involving isolated systems often involves using the equation $\vec{p}_{initial} = \vec{p}_{final}$, where $\vec{p}$ represents momentum.

Review Questions

Related terms

Momentum:

A vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity, represented as $\vec{p} = m\vec{v}$.

Collision: An event where two or more bodies exert forces on each other in a relatively short time frame, often analyzed using conservation laws.

Conservation of Momentum:

A fundamental principle stating that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant if no external forces act on it.