Question

The conservation of momentum principle can be applied to systems as different as a comet striking earth and a gas containing huge numbers of atoms and these?

Answer 1

molecules

The conservation of momentum principle can be applied to systems as different as a comet striking Earth and a gas containing huge numbers of atoms and molecules. Conservation of momentum is violated only when the net external force is not zero. But another larger system can always be considered in which momentum is conserved by simply including the source of the external force. For example, in the collision of two cars considered above, the two-car system conserves momentum while each one-car system does not. Making Connections: Take-Home InvestigationDrop of Tennis Ball and a Basketball Hold a tennis ball side by side and in contact with a basketball. Drop the balls together.  Be careful!  What happens? Explain your observations. Now hold the tennis ball above and in contact with the basketball. What happened? Explain your observations. What do you think will happen if the basketball ball is held above and in contact with the tennis ball?.