Q27CQ - College Physics (Urone)

Question

Suppose an ice hockey puck strikes a hockey stick that lies flat on the ice and is free to move in any direction. Which quantities are likely to be conserved: angular momentum, linear momentum, or kinetic energy (assuming the puck and stick are very resilient)?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Linear momentum is conserved when the puck hits the stick kept on ice.

Step 1: Concept of law of conservation of momentum.

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of the system remains constant before and after collision.

Step 2: Quantity conserved during collision.

Here, linear momentum is conserved as the momentum before collision is same as that after collision.

 

Kinetic energy is conserved in elastic collisions but here a portion of kinetic energy is spent on unsticking the stick from the frost and get it moving when the puck hits the sick. So, kinetic energy is not conserved.

 

Angular momentum has no role in this puck-stick collision.