Question

a student wants to conduct an experiment that demonstrates the law of conservation of momentum. which situation would result in the greatest loss in momentum due to outside forces? (1 point)
two air hockey pucks gliding toward each other on an air hockey table
two ice skaters gliding across the ice toward each other
two swimmers swimming toward each other in a swimming pool
two billiard balls rolling toward each other on a pool table

Explanation:

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant. An isolated system has no external forces acting on it. In the case of two swimmers in a swimming pool, water provides a significant external force (drag force). Air hockey table (air reduces friction), ice (low - friction surface), and pool table (relatively smooth compared to water) have less external force compared to water. The drag force in water will cause a greater loss of momentum due to outside forces.

Answer:

two swimmers swimming toward each other in a swimming pool