LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM

In an isolated system, the total value of momentum remains unchanged over time.
Individual elements within the system can alter their own momentum, but only in a
manner that ensures the overall momentum of the system remains constant.

An isolated system is a part of the physical world that does not exchange mass or energy
with its surroundings. The system consists of various elements in our surroundings, bodies,
or particles that can interact with each other and exchange energy. Starting from the
assumption that no external forces can be felt in an isolated system and that there is no
exchange of energy and mass with the surroundings, we come to the conclusion that all
physical quantities (which would otherwise change as a result of external influences) must
remain unchanged over time.

For such quantities, the laws of conservation hold at the system level. This means that the
value of an observed quantity at the system level remains unchanged over time, while the
same quantity may change for individual elements within the system.

A loaded rifle at rest has a momentum equal to zero. After firing a bullet, the total
momentum must remain zero. As the bullet exits the barrel at a velocity vm, to ensure the
total momentum remains zero, the rifle must recoil at a velocity vp, meeting the following
condition:

The rifle recoils backward at a speed that is as many times smaller than the bullet's speed as
the rifle's mass is greater than the bullet's mass.
The law of conservation of momentum is the basis for the functioning of reactive (rocket)
engines. The momentum of a rocket at rest is zero. When the reactive engines are activated,
the combustion products of the fuel exit at a high speed (vg) and carry a certain momentum.
For the total momentum to remain unchanged, the rocket must obtain the same momentum
as the combustion products, but in the opposite direction, causing the rocket to move at a
speed vr. The speed of the rocket can be represented by the same expression that applies to
the recoil speed of a rifle.

Collisions

We distinguish between two types of collisions: elastic and inelastic collisions. In both
cases, the laws of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy apply.

In an elastic collision, the total magnitude of momentum and kinetic energy remains
conserved.
Two balls are moving towards each other with velocities v 1 and v2. After the collision, the balls
recoil in opposite directions with new velocities v 1´ and v2´.

In an inelastic collision, the total momentum remains conserved, but a portion of the kinetic
energy is lost or transformed into other forms of energy (ΔE).
Two balls continue moving together at velocity v´ after an inelastic collision. The portion of
kinetic energy that is lost (ΔE) transforms into the internal energy of the bodies, is used to
alter the shape of the bodies, or transforms into another form of energy.