Momentum: 6.4 Collision Problems: Question 1

If the net external force exerted on a system of colliding objects is zero, then the sum of the x- and y-components of momentum is conserved. For two-object systems

Momentum Before = Momentum After
m1v1ox + m2v2ox = m1v1x + m2v2x
m1v1oy + m2v2oy = m1v1y + m2v2y

If no work is done on a system involved in a perfectly elastic collision, then the kinetic energy of the system is conserved, that is constant. For two-object systems

Kinetic Energy Before = Kinetic Energy After
0.5m1v1o2 + 0.5m2v2o2 = 0.5m1v12 + 0.5m2v22