The Figure shows two objects, Q and R, before and after they collide. The arrows show the direction of movement of the objects. The arrows are not to scale. Explain how momentum is conserved in the collision. Use Newton’s third law and Newton’s second law in your answer. – 8002

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1. Momentum is calculated using the equation:
   momentum = mass × velocity

   When two objects collide, like object Q and object R, they exert equal and opposite forces on each other. This is Newton’s Third Law.

   The force on R from Q is the same size but in the opposite direction to the force on Q from R.

   The change in momentum of object Q is equal and opposite to the change in momentum of object R.
   This means:
   change in momentum of Q ÷ time = – change in momentum of R ÷ time

   The collision time is the same for both objects.

   Because the change in momentum is shared equally and oppositely, there is no overall change in momentum of the system.

   Object R accelerates because of the force from Q, showing the transfer of momentum from Q to R.

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