Q172 / 180 · COMEDK 2023 (Evening Shift) · Physics
If the resultant of all external forces acting on a system of particles is zero, then from an inertial frame one can surely say that
- APotential energy of the system does not change in time.
- BKinetic energy of the system does not change in time.
- CAngular momentum of the system does not change in time
- Correct answerDLinear momentum of the system does not change in time
Solution
The net external force acting on a system of particles is given by the rate of change of the total linear momentum of the system, expressed as $\vec{F}_{ext} = \dfrac{d\vec{P}}{dt}$.
Given that the resultant of all external forces is zero, $\vec{F}_{ext} = 0$.
Substituting this into the equation, we get $\dfrac{d\vec{P}}{dt} = 0$.
Integrating with respect to time, we find that the total linear momentum $\vec{P}$ of the system remains constant over time. This is the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
Answer: Linear momentum of the system does not change in time
Given that the resultant of all external forces is zero, $\vec{F}_{ext} = 0$.
Substituting this into the equation, we get $\dfrac{d\vec{P}}{dt} = 0$.
Integrating with respect to time, we find that the total linear momentum $\vec{P}$ of the system remains constant over time. This is the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
Answer: Linear momentum of the system does not change in time
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.