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e2m2a
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I know Euler's first law applies to a single body, but can we use it for a system of bodies? Or should we invoke the conservation of momentum to obtain the same result for a system of bodies?
Euler's First Law and the Conservation of Momentum
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In summary, the conversation discusses the applicability of Euler's first law to a system of bodies and whether it can be used to obtain the same result as the conservation of momentum. It is clarified that Euler's first law only applies to the linear momentum of a single body and internal forces do not contribute to changing the total momentum. It is also mentioned that a system of bodies can be considered as a single body.
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tiny-tim
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Hi e2m2a! 
hmm … i had to look this up in "[URL
, so let's copy it for everyone's benefit …
(it means we can ignore any rotation, so long as we deal only with the centre of mass)
I don't really understand your question …
surely a system of bodies is a body …
Newton's first two laws are about particles, while Euler's two laws are about collections of particles (called "bodies"), and a collection of collections is still a collection?
e2m2a said:
hmm … i had to look this up in "[URL
, so let's copy it for everyone's benefit …(it means we can ignore any rotation, so long as we deal only with the centre of mass
)I don't really understand your question …
surely a system of bodies is a body …
Newton's first two laws are about particles, while Euler's two laws are about collections of particles (called "bodies"), and a collection of collections is still a collection?
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Related to Euler's First Law and the Conservation of Momentum
1. What is Euler's First Law?
Euler's First Law, also known as the Law of Inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.
2. How does Euler's First Law relate to the conservation of momentum?
Euler's First Law is a fundamental principle of momentum conservation. This law states that the total momentum of a system will remain constant unless acted upon by an external force. In other words, the momentum of a system will not change unless there is an external force acting on it.
3. What is the significance of Euler's First Law in physics?
Euler's First Law is significant because it is a fundamental principle in understanding the behavior of objects in motion. It helps explain why objects continue to move in a straight line at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force, and it is a crucial concept in the study of mechanics and dynamics.
4. How does Euler's First Law apply to real-world scenarios?
Euler's First Law applies to many real-world scenarios, including the movement of objects in space, the motion of vehicles on a road, and the behavior of particles in a fluid. It is also a key concept in understanding the behavior of objects in collisions and other interactions.
5. Can Euler's First Law be violated?
No, Euler's First Law cannot be violated. It is a fundamental law of physics that has been proven to hold true in all observed scenarios. If an object appears to be violating this law, it is likely due to an external force acting on the object that is not immediately apparent.
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