Momentum Conservation: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Momentum Conservation. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Total mechanical energy \(E = K + U\) can be negative if potential energy \(U\) is negative and larger in magnitude than kinetic energy \(K\).

However, kinetic energy \(K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\) is always non-negative, implying momentum exists. The magnitude of linear momentum \(|\vec{p}| = mv\) is always non-negative.

Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are false.