The conservation of momentum is applicable in:

CONCEPT:

• Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum: If no external force acts on a system (called isolated) of constant mass, the total momentum of the system remains constant with time.

According to the law of conservation of momentum:

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 (This equation is valid for both elastic and inelastic collision)

where m1 and m2 are the masses of two bodies colliding

u1 and u2 are the initial velocities of the colliding bodies before collision

v1 and v2 are the final velocities of the colliding bodies after collision

EXPLANATION:

• The conservation of momentum is applicable in both elastic and inelastic collisions because there is no external force for the system. So option 3 is correct.