Question

The principle of conservation of linear momentum can be strictly applied during a collision between two particles provided the time of impact:
A. is extremely small
B. is moderately small
C. is extremely large
D. depends on particular case

Answer 1

Hint: The conservation laws are the fundamental laws. It tells us that certain physical quantities remain conserved in a system. Conservation of linear momentum gives us that the linear momentum of any isolated system remains constant. Find out the conditions to apply conservation of the linear momentum.

Complete answer:
Conservation laws are the fundamental laws of physics used to understand the nature of the physical world. The conservation laws can tell us if a process can or cannot occur in the universe. The conservation law tells us that a certain physical quantity of an isolated system will remain unchanged with the physical processes.

The law of conservation of linear momentum tells that the total linear momentum of an isolated system is always constant. Isolated system can be defined as a system where no external force is acting or where no acceleration is acting on the body. We can say that in an inertial frame only we can use the conservation law.

The necessary conditions for the principle of conservation of linear momentum to be applied on a body are – the total linear momentum of the system should be constant, the time of impact of the collision should be small and after the collision the motion of the particle should change.
So, from the above discussion, we can say that the principle of conservation of linear momentum can be strictly applied during a collision between two particles provided the time of impact is extremely small.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
We have other conservation laws also. The conservation of energy gives us that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant. The conservation of angular momentum gives us that the total angular momentum of an isolated system remains constant.