Question

according to the diagram, which statement best describes what happens when two astronauts collide in space? a) their force increases. b) their velocity increases. c) their momentum is conserved. d) their momentum increases.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the law of conservation of momentum

In an isolated - system (such as the collision of two astronauts in space), the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. There is no external force acting on the system, so the momentum of the system remains constant.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option a: There is no indication that the force increases. There is no external force in an isolated - system for the collision of the two astronauts.
• Option b: There is no information suggesting that the velocity increases. The total momentum is conserved, not necessarily the velocity of each individual astronaut.
• Option c: According to the law of conservation of momentum, for a system of two astronauts colliding in space (an isolated - system), their total momentum is conserved. This is the correct statement.
• Option d: There is no evidence that the momentum increases as there is no external impulse acting on the system.

Answer:

c) Their momentum is conserved.