Conservation of linear momentum of a system – Rankers Physics
Topic: Laws of Motion
Subtopic: Definition of Force Inertia and First Law

Conservation of linear momentum of a system

Read the statements marked as assertion (A) and reason (R) and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): If no external force acts on a system, the velocity of the centre of mass remains constant.
Reason (R): If there is no external force on system, then momentum of system is conserved.
 
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
(A) is false but (R) is true

Solution:

When no external force acts on the system, the acceleration of the center of mass is zero, hence its velocity is constant. This also implies the conservation of total linear momentum of the system.

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