Conservation of Linear Momentum Questions

The linear momentum of a particle is defined as the product of the mass of the particle times the velocity of that particle. The linear momentum of a particle is a vector quantity and is denoted by vector p. According to the conservation of linear momentum, if the net external force acting on a system of bodies is zero, then the momentum of the system remains constant.

The kinetic energy is related to linear momentum with the formula P = mv.

The linear momentum formula for ‘n’ no. of particles is given by the formula: P = p₁ + p₂ + … + p_n

The unit of linear momentum is kg.m.s^-1.

Read more: Conservation of linear momentum

Important Conservation of Linear Momentum Questions with Answers

1. Choose YES or NO: Conservation of linear momentum is seen in the launching of rockets.

1. YES
2. NO

Answer: a) YES

Explanation: The launch of the rocket is a perfect illustration of momentum conservation. Here, the mass of the system is not constant, and hence the rocket ejects fuel to create thrust. The burned fuel assists in pushing the exhaust gas downward, causing the rocket to travel upward.

2. If the net external force acting on a system of bodies is zero, then the momentum of the system _____.

1. Increases
2. Decreases
3. Remains constant
4. None of the options

Answer: c) Remains constant

Explanation: As per the law of conservation of linear momentum, the momentum of the system remains constant, If the net external force acting on a system of bodies is zero.

3. In a falling body with a constant amount of energy, potential energy changes to _____.

1. Thermal energy
2. Solar energy
3. Nuclear energy
4. Kinetic energy

Answer: d) Kinetic energy

Explanation: Potential energy changes to kinetic energy when the body falls from a certain height.

4. Linear momentum formula for a particle is given by ______.

1. P = mv
2. P = m/v
3. P = m+v
4. P = m-v

Answer: a) P = mv

Explanation: Linear momentum for a particle is given by the formula P = mv.

5. Give one example to explain the application for the conservation of linear momentum.

Conservation of linear momentum is seen in motorboats. The motorboat pushes the water in a backward direction in order to move the boat in a forward direction so that momentum is conserved.

6. The linear momentum of a particle is the product of the ______ of that particle.

1. Mass of the particle times the velocity
2. Mass of the particle times the momentum
3. Mass of the particle times the acceleration
4. Mass of the particle times the kinetic energy

Answer: a) Mass of the particle times the velocity

Explanation: Mass of the particle times the velocity gives the linear momentum of a particle.

7. Linear momentum is a _____.

1. Scalar quantity
2. Vector quantity
3. Dimensionless quantity
4. None of the options

Answer: b) Vector quantity

Explanation: Linear momentum is a vector quantity.

8. What is the unit of linear momentum?

1. Kg m s^-2
2. Kg s^-1
3. Kg m^-1
4. Kg m s^-1

Answer: d) Kg m s^-1

Explanation: The unit of linear momentum is Kg m s^-1.

9. According to Newton’s second law, force is directly proportional to the rate of change in _____.

1. Acceleration
2. Momentum
3. Velocity
4. Mass

Answer: b) Momentum

Explanation: Newton’s second law states that the time rate of change of the momentum of a body is equal in both magnitude and direction to the force imposed on it.

10. What does the principle of conservation of momentum state?

It states that if two objects collide, then the total momentum before and after the collision will be the same if there is no external force acting on the colliding objects.

Initial momentum = Final momentum

Practice Questions

1. Write the conservation of the linear momentum formula.
2. Give two examples to explain the conservation of linear momentum.
3. What is the formula to calculate linear momentum
4. Is momentum a scalar quantity or vector?
5. What is the formula for finding linear momentum formula for ‘n’ no. of particles?