BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (PCM)

PHB-1111 Mechanics and Wave Motion

Block 1: Dynamics of System of Particles

Unit 3: Conservation of Energy, Linear Momentum,

Structure
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Law of Conservation of Energy
3.3 Linear Momentum
3.4 Let Us Sum Up
3.5 Glossary
3.6 Questions
3.7 Suggested Readings

3.0 Objectives
The objectives of conservation of energy and linear momentum are fundamental principles in physics that
play a crucial role in understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems. Conservation of
energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant over time, implying that energy
cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted between different forms. This principle is
vital for analyzing and solving problems related to mechanical, thermal, and other forms of energy in
various physical systems. On the other hand, conservation of linear momentum asserts that the total linear
momentum of an isolated system is constant, provided no external forces are acting on it. This principle is
particularly significant in the study of collisions, both elastic and inelastic, as well as in understanding the
motion of objects subjected to external forces. By adhering to these conservation principles, physicists can
make accurate predictions about the behavior of systems, leading to a deeper understanding of the physical
world and facilitating the development of practical applications in fields such as engineering and
technology.

3.1 Introduction
Conservation of energy and linear momentum are foundational principles in physics that govern the
behavior of physical systems. Conservation of energy states that the total energy within an isolated system
remains constant over time, emphasizing the transformation and transfer of energy rather than its creation
or destruction. This principle provides a universal framework for understanding various forms of energy,
from mechanical to thermal, and is essential for solving problems across diverse fields of physics.
Similarly, conservation of linear momentum asserts that the total linear momentum of an isolated system
remains constant when external forces are absent. This principle is crucial for analyzing the motion of
objects, particularly in collisions, and forms the basis for understanding the interactions between particles
and larger systems. Together, these principles offer a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of
physical systems, enabling accurate predictions and applications in engineering, technology, and other
scientific domains.

3.2 Law of Conservation of Energy

The Law of Conservation of Energy is a fundamental principle in physics that asserts that energy cannot be
generated or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another. The fundamental law of
Physics governs numerous processes in our surroundings.
Prior to delving into a thorough understanding of the Law of Conservation of Energy, it is essential to have
a comprehensive knowledge of the concept of energy. Energy is the inherent ability of a thing to perform
labor. It is a measurable property that enables an object to carry out various forms of work.
Explore the intricacies of the Law of Conservation of Energy and other related principles in this page.
What is Energy
Energy is the capacity to exert force for the purpose of performing work. It is the fundamental force that
induces motion in objects. Energy is the term used to describe the ability to perform tasks. It is crucial to
acknowledge that energy exists in several forms and encompasses a wide range of sorts, including kinetic
energy, potential energy, solar energy, and more. The Joule is the standard unit of energy in the
International System of Units (SI). In addition to joules, other units of energy include calories, horsepower,
kilowatt (kW) power, and kilowatt-hour (kWh). Various forms of energy exist, and the following list
presents and explains some significant features of mechanical.
Kinetic Energy refers to the energy inherent in items that are in motion. Modifying the kinetic
energy of an object necessitates the execution of work. The expression is commonly represented by
the equation 1/2mv2.
Potential Energy: Potential energy refers to the energy an object possesses due to its position. The
potential energy is represented by the equation "mgh", where "h" is the height of the item. Mechanical
energy refers to the combined energy resulting from an object's location and velocity, which is stored
within the object. Therefore, mechanical energy is the total of both kinetic energy and potential energy.
Chemical energy refers to the energy that is contained within the bonds of materials. This energy is
associated with the creation or breaking of chemical bonds.
Nuclear Energy: This form of energy is specifically characterized by the involvement of atomic nuclei in
its production or consumption processes.
Energy Conservation: Based on the aforementioned instances, it is evident that the overall energy of the
system remains constant and can alone be transformed from one form to another. It expends a significant
amount of our energy by transforming one type of energy into another. Therefore, it is imperative to utilize
our energy resources extensively, a practice commonly referred to as energy conservation.
What is Law of Conservation of Energy: It’s known that the total mechanical energy of the system
remains constant if the forces working on the system are conservative in nature. Potential energy and
kinetic energies keep interchanging with each other. In the case of non-conservative forces, these energies
are converted to some other energy such as heat, noise, etc. In the case of a system that is isolated from the
outside world, the total energy remains constant.
In a closed system, energy is conserved, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed. The total energy
remains conserved. It has the ability to undergo conversion from one form to another.
The laws of conservation of energy are unprovable, however no instances of this law being violated have
ever been observed. Therefore, it is widely acknowledged with substantiation.
In an isolated system, the dissipation of energy in one component is counterbalanced by the acquisition of
an equivalent quantity of energy in another component of the system. Although this principle has not been
definitively confirmed, physicists have not yet found any exceptions to it, leading them to presume it to be
true.
The concept of the law of conservation of energy can be comprehended by the following example. In the
above image, the cyclist possesses solely kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill, but at the top of the hill,
the energy is solely in the form of potential energy.
The total energy of a system can be determined by utilizing the subsequent equation:
UT = Ui + W + Q
Where,
 UT is total energy of a system,
 Ui is initial energy of a system,
 Q is heat added or removed from the system, and
 W is work done by or on the system.
Furthermore, the calculation of the change in the internal energy of the system is determined by the
following equation:
ΔU=W+Q
Law of Conservation of Energy Derivation
The Law of Conservation of Energy can be deduced using the following illustration: consider a ball
descending from a height H with an initial velocity of zero, and assume that the potential energy at the
Earth's surface is also zero.
Now at the height H from the ground
As the ball descends towards the ground, its potential energy diminishes but its kinetic energy augments.
At every given location B, located at an elevation of X above the earth, the object possesses a velocity of 'v'
as it arrives at point B. Currently, it possesses both kinetic and potential energy.

Hence, based on A, B, and C, it is evident that the overall energy at any given time throughout the ball's
descent remains constant, equal to mgH.
Law of Conservation of Energy Examples
The Law of Conservation of Energy is substantiated by numerous events and instances that we encounter in
our everyday lives. This article presents several examples that demonstrate the law of Conservation of
Energy.
 Engines convert chemical energy into mechanical energy.
 An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
 Electric bulb converts electric energy into light and heat energy.
 Hydroelectric power plants convert the potential energy of water into the kinetic energy of the
turbine, which is further converted into electrical energy.
Application of Conservation of Energy: Energy conservation has numerous applications and is widely
utilized in various processes that we encounter in our daily lives. Several procedures that involve the
application of the principle of conservation of energy include:
 A car engine converts the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy and enables the car to
run.
 The energy we get from the food we eat is an example of conservation of energy as the chemical
energy of the food is changed into various forms of energy by our body to do various life processes.
 A hydroelectric power dam uses the potential energy of the water to rotate its turbine which in turn
produces electrical energy.
 A moving car hits another car at rest transfers its energy to the other car and the other car gains
some motion.

3.3 Linear Momentum

Definition of Linear Momentum: Momentum is a vector variable that describes the motion of objects.
The type of motion of a system determines whether it is linear or angular. Linear motion refers to the
movement of an object along a straight route. This article focuses on the concept of linear momentum.
Definition: Linear momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity. Linear momentum is a
vector quantity that possesses both magnitude and direction.
Linear Momentum Equation: The mathematical expression relating to the definition of linear momentum
is

Linear Momentum and Impulse: When momentum is being discussed, the concept of impulse will be
mentioned. Linear impulse refers to the impact of force on a system over a specific period of time.
Definition: The concept of linear impulse is described as the mathematical integration of the force applied
to an item over a specific period of time.
The mathematical expression equivalent to this definition is

When F doesn't vary with time, i.e. a constant force.

Note F is force, t is time, and the corresponding SI unit is Ns
Impulse is a vector quantity that shares the same direction as the net force acting on an item. Momentum,
Impulse, and Newton's Second Law of Motion: The impulse-momentum theorem establishes a
relationship between impulse and momentum. The theorem posits that the impulse exerted on an item is
equivalent to the alteration in the object's momentum. The equation that describes the relationship for linear
motion is as follows:
The relationship mentioned can be used to derive Newton's second law of motion. In order to finalize this
deduction, it is necessary to utilize the equations associated with the impulse-momentum theorem in
combination with the specific formulas for linear momentum and linear impulse. Now, let us deduce
Newton's second law for linear motion by beginning with the equation and restating it as

It is important to acknowledge that represents the definition of acceleration, hence the equation can be
expressed as
This is Newton's second law for linear motion. Consequently, due to this relationship, we may establish the
definition of force in respect to momentum. Force is the derivative of momentum with respect to time.
Distinguishing Between Linear and Angular Momentum
In order to differentiate between linear momentum and angular momentum, we shall begin by providing a
precise definition of angular momentum. Angular momentum is the measure of rotational motion,
specifically the motion around an axis along a circular path.
Definition: Angular momentum is the result of multiplying angular velocity with rotational inertia. The
mathematical expression equivalent to this definition is
This formula is applicable exclusively under the condition of a constant moment of inertia.
Differentiate between Linear Momentum and Angular Momentum: The relationship between linear
momentum and angular momentum stems from the fact that their mathematical expressions share the same
structure, with angular momentum serving as the rotating counterpart to linear momentum. Nevertheless,
the primary distinction is in the specific kind of movement with which they are connected. Linear
momentum is a characteristic linked to things that are moving in a straight line. Angular momentum is an
inherent characteristic of objects that are in motion along a circular path.

3.4 Let Us Sum Up

Conservation of energy and linear momentum are fundamental principles in physics that govern the
behavior of physical systems. The conservation of energy states that the total energy in a closed system
remains constant over time, with energy being neither created nor destroyed but only transferred or
converted between different forms. This principle is crucial in understanding and analyzing various natural
phenomena, from simple mechanical systems to complex interactions in the universe. On the other hand,
the conservation of linear momentum asserts that the total linear momentum of an isolated system remains
constant unless acted upon by external forces. This principle is particularly significant in the study of
collisions, explosions, and other interactions involving objects in motion. Together, these principles
provide a powerful framework for predicting and explaining the dynamics of physical systems, allowing
scientists and engineers to analyze and design a wide range of real-world scenarios with precision.

3.5 Glossary
Conservation of Energy: A fundamental principle in physics stating that the total energy of an isolated
system remains constant over time, with energy being conserved through transfers and conversions
between different forms such as kinetic, potential, and thermal energy.
Linear Momentum: The product of an object's mass and its velocity, describing the quantity of motion in
a straight line. Linear momentum is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.
Law of Conservation of Momentum: A principle stating that the total linear momentum of an isolated
system remains constant if no external forces act on it. The law is particularly relevant in understanding the
outcomes of collisions and explosions.
Isolated System: A physical system that doesn't exchange matter or energy with its surroundings, allowing
the application of conservation laws such as the conservation of energy and linear momentum.
AIDS to Activities
Remorise the formula
3.6 Unit End Questions

Activity - 1
Question 1: What is the conservation of energy?
Solution: The conservation of energy is a fundamental principle stating that the total energy in an isolated
system remains constant over time, with energy being transferred or converted between different forms but
not created or destroyed.
Question 2: What is linear momentum?
Solution: Linear momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity. It is a vector quantity and is
conserved in the absence of external forces.
Question 3: What is the law of conservation of momentum?
Solution: The law of conservation of momentum states that the total linear momentum of an isolated
system remains constant if no external forces act on it. This principle is particularly applicable in analyzing
collisions.
Question 4: How does an external force affect the conservation of linear momentum?
Solution: An external force acting on a system can change its linear momentum. In the absence of external
forces, the total linear momentum of an isolated system is conserved.
Activity - 2
Question 1: Two ice skaters of equal mass (60 kg each) are initially at rest. If one skater pushes the other
with a velocity of 4 m/s, find their final velocities. Assume no external forces.
Solution:
Initial momentum = 0 kg m/s (both at rest)
Final momentum = Initial momentum (by conservation of linear momentum)
Final momentum = (60 kg + 60 kg) * final velocity
final velocity = total final momentum / total mass = 0 / 120 kg = 0 m/s Both skaters remain at rest after the
push.
Question 2: In an elastic collision, a 0.2 kg ball moving at 5 m/s collides with a stationary 0.3 kg ball. If
the collision is elastic, find their final velocities.
Solution:
Initial momentum = Final momentum (by conservation of linear momentum)
m1 * v1i + m2 * v2i = m1 * v1f + m2 * v2f
(0.2 kg * 5 m/s) + (0.3 kg * 0 m/s) = (0.2 kg * v1f) + (0.3 kg * v2f)
Solving for v1f and v2f will give the final velocities.
Question 3: A 500 kg car is moving with a velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.
Solution:
Kinetic Energy (KE) = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2
KE = 0.5 * 500 kg * (20 m/s)^2 = 100,000 J.

3.7 Suggested Readings

1. J.C. Upadhyay: ‘Mechanics’. Ram Prasad Publications, Agra.
2. D.S, Mathur “Mechanics”. S Chand Publication, New Delhi.
3. D. Kleppner and R. Kolenkow, An Introduction to Mechanics, TMH
4. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/law-of-conservation-of-energy/.
5. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/physics/linear-momentum

***