Conservation

of
Momentum
Goal of the Day:
Explain how
momentum is
conserved.
Let’s recall some
terms/concepts
before we
proceed...
 There will be no change in
momentum if there is no external
force.
In the absence of an
external force the
momentum of a closed
system is conserved.
 Figure 18. A system is a group of objects that interact and
affect each other. Examples are (a) Bowling ball and pin and
(b) two football players.
Is there Thus, the
an total
external momentum
force acts of the
system
on the
does not
boy-girl change.
system?
The In this system,
momentum no
gained by momentum is
the girl is of
gained or lost.
equal
magnitude
but opposite
direction to
the
momentum
gained by
the boy.
 Perform activity 8
entitled Balloon
Rocket on pages 265
and 266 on your
learner’s module.
Presentation of
Outputs and
Discussion
Q41. What can you say about
the initial momentum of the
system before releasing the air
from the balloon?
ANS. THE INITIAL
MOMENTUM OF THE SYSTEM
BEFORE RELEASING THE
AIR FROM THE BALLOON IS
Q42. What did you
observe after releasing
the air from the balloon?
ANS. AFTER RELEASING THE AIR
FROM THE BALLOON, THE
INFLATED BALLOON SHRUNK. AS
THE AIR RUSHES OUT, THE
BALLOON MOVES.
Q43. What is the direction of
the balloon compared to the
direction of air coming out
from the balloon?

ANS. THE BALLOON AND THE AIR

COMING OUT MOVE IN OPPOSITE
DIRECTIONS.
Q44. How do their
momenta compare after
releasing the air?

ANS. THE MOMENTA ARE

THE SAME IN MAGNITUDE.
Q45. From your answer inQ44,
how does the velocity of the air
that is pushed out of the rocket
compare to the velocity of the
balloon rocket?

ANS. THE VELOCITY OF THE

AIR IS GREATER THAN THAT
OF THE BALLOON.
 Concept Check:

Suppose the entire world population

gathers in one spot and at the
sounding of a prearranged signal,
everyone jumps up. While all the
people are in the air, does Earth
gain momentum in the opposite
direction?