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Momentum conservation in a closed system can be demonstrated through a simple experiment involving colliding objects.
To understand the conservation of momentum, it's important to first understand what momentum is. Momentum is a vector quantity that depends on the object's mass and velocity. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by its velocity. In a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event. This is known as the principle of conservation of momentum.
To demonstrate this, you can use a simple experiment involving two trolleys on a frictionless track. The trolleys should have different masses and are initially at rest. Push one trolley towards the other and let them collide. Measure the velocities of the trolleys before and after the collision. You will find that the total momentum before the collision (which was zero, as both trolleys were at rest) is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
Another way to demonstrate this principle is through a billiards game. When the white ball (cue ball) is hit towards another ball, the cue ball transfers its momentum to the other ball. If you measure the momentum of the cue ball before and after the hit, and add the momentum of the other ball after the hit, you will find that the total momentum remains the same.
Remember, for momentum to be conserved, the system must be closed. This means that there are no external forces acting on the objects involved. In real life, it's hard to achieve a perfectly closed system due to factors like friction and air resistance. However, in theoretical physics and for the purpose of this demonstration, we can assume that the system is closed.
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