Question

in a closed system, a ball with a mass of 3 kg and a momentum of 24 kg·m/s collides into a ball with a mass of 1 kg that is originally at rest. which statement describes the momentum of the balls and the total momentum? (1 point)
the momentum of each ball changes, and the total momentum changes.
the momentum of each ball stays the same, and the total momentum stays the same.
the momentum of each ball changes, and the total momentum stays the same.
the momentum of each ball stays the same, and the total momentum changes.

Explanation:

In a closed system, the law of conservation of momentum applies, meaning the total momentum before and after a collision remains constant. When the two balls collide, the first ball (moving) will transfer momentum to the second ball (at rest), so each ball's individual momentum changes. However, the sum of their momenta (total momentum) stays the same because no external forces act on the closed system.

Answer:

The momentum of each ball changes, and the total momentum stays the same.