Linear Momentum Lab Activity
Page 6 of 12
The Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum states that for a closed system, the total momentum of the system will not change. In other words, if zero total outside force acts on a system, the initial momentum of the system must be equal to the final momentum of the system.
As we already have seen, we can find the total momentum of a system by adding together the momenta of all of the objects in the system. Thus, the Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum can be written as shown below.
We also know that the momentum of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its velocity. Therefore, the Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum can be written as shown below.