Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCentre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
Internal forces within a system can alter
Options
- Athe linear momentum but not the kinetic energy
- Bneither the linear momentum nor the kinetic energy
- Cboth the linear momentum and the kinetic energy
- Dthe kinetic energy but not the linear momentum
Correct answer
D. the kinetic energy but not the linear momentum
Step-by-step solution
Internal forces in a system occur in equal and opposite pairs according to Newton's third law of motion. Therefore, the net internal force on the system is always zero. Since the net internal force is zero, it cannot change the total linear momentum of the system. However, internal forces can do work on the particles within the system. For example, during an explosion or when a compressed spring between two masses is released, internal forces convert potential energy into kinetic energy, thereby increasing the tota