How is momentum conserved in a system in which two satellites connect?

Question

Responses

Both satellites have momentum before they connect, and afterwards they have less momentum.

Both satellites have momentum before they connect, and afterwards they have less momentum.

Both satellites have momentum before they connect, and afterwards they have more momentum.

Both satellites have momentum before they connect, and afterwards they have more momentum.

Momentum is not conserved when the two satellites connect.

Momentum is not conserved when the two satellites connect.

The one satellite has all the momentum before they connect, and then afterwards they share it.

Answer 1

In a system where two satellites connect, momentum is conserved. Here’s how it works:

Before the satellites connect, each has its own momentum based on its mass and velocity. When they connect (assuming this is an inelastic collision), they come together and move as one entity after the connection. The total momentum of the system before the connection equals the total momentum after the connection.

So, the correct response regarding momentum conservation in this scenario would be:

Both satellites have momentum before they connect, and afterwards they share the total momentum.

Momentum is conserved; it's not lost or gained, but rather redistributed among the satellites. If they stick together, their combined mass increases, and their new velocity will adjust accordingly to ensure that the total momentum before and after the connection remains the same.