What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What is the principle of conservation of momentum? Here, the relevant answer is “Total momentum of a closed system remains constant.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. The distractors in this question—Momentum increases with velocity, Momentum is always zero, Momentum equals kinetic energy—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. Students should therefore read every qualifier, including words such as “always,” “at infinity,” “in vacuum,” “per unit,” and “directly proportional.” Such words often decide the correct option.

AMomentum increases with velocity

BTotal momentum of a closed system remains constant

CMomentum is always zero

DMomentum equals kinetic energy

Correct Answer: Total momentum of a closed system remains constantYour Answer: B

Explanation

es the accepted physical definition, law, relation, or working principle involved. — the scientifically appropriate response is Total momentum of a closed system remains constant. Option-wise review: Total momentum of a closed system remains constant is correct under the condition given in the stem. Momentum increases with velocity is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Momentum is always zero is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Momentum equals kinetic energy is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option B, Total momentum of a closed system remains constant, is factually and logically consistent with the question.

Important Notes

Read the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Total momentum of a closed system remains constant.
Physics answers are condition-dependent. The same lens, force, circuit, wave, or thermodynamic system can behave differently when distance, medium, temperature, direction, or boundary conditions change. Preserve every qualifier in the question.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Eliminate Momentum increases with velocity, Momentum is always zero, Momentum equals kinetic energy here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option B.
Exam memory point: connect Total momentum of a closed system remains constant directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.p = mv; applied in collisions

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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