Physics
Physics
Problem
List any two assumptions made while deriving the law of conservation of linear momentum for two interacting bodies.Intuitive explanation
Conservation of momentum rests on the idea that internal forces between two bodies are equal and opposite (Newton's third law), so they cancel out when you consider the system together. The key insight is recognizing which real-world complications we ignore: we assume no external forces act on the system, and that the interaction happens over a short enough time that we can treat the bodies' velocities as constant during the collision itself.
Intuitive explanation
Conservation of momentum rests on the idea that internal forces between two bodies are equal and opposite (Newton's third law), so they cancel out when you consider the system together. The key insight is recognizing which real-world complications we ignore: we assume no external forces act on the system, and that the interaction happens over a short enough time that we can treat the bodies' velocities as constant during the collision itself.