Question

an object has an initial momentum of -25 kg m/s. after an interaction, the object has a momentum of -20 kg m/s. do we have conservation of momentum? momentum is not conserved. momentum is conserved. no outside force acted on the system.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the condition for conservation of momentum

Conservation of momentum occurs when the net external force acting on the system is zero. Mathematically, for a single - object system (assuming no internal sub - systems for simplicity), if \(p_{i}\) is the initial momentum and \(p_{f}\) is the final momentum, then \(\Delta p=p_{f}-p_{i}\). If \(\Delta p = 0\), momentum is conserved.

Step2: Calculate the change in momentum

Given \(p_{i}=- 25\space kg\cdot m/s\) and \(p_{f}=-20\space kg\cdot m/s\). Then \(\Delta p=p_{f}-p_{i}=(-20)-(-25)=5\space kg\cdot m/s
eq0\)

Answer:

Momentum is not conserved.