Explain, in at most two sentences, why total linear momentum of an isolated two-body…

PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

Explain, in at most two sentences, why total linear momentum of an isolated two-body system remains unchanged during an inelastic collision even though kinetic energy decreases.

Related theory

Collisions
Conservation of momentum
Linear momentum
Elastic and inelastic collisions
Collisions in one dimension
Work, Energy and Power
Types of collisions (elastic and inelastic)

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