Question

True of False:
Conservation of momentum can only be applied if there are no forces in any direction applied to the system.

Answer 1

I'm thinking that its false, considering angular momentum with circular motion, which would in theory have a force pointing towards the center of its circular path..

Answer 2

I believe the question is referring to linear momentum. Usually questions of this kind would state angular momentum if that was the intent

Answer 3

Yeah.. I feel like I'm over thinking the question. Its one of those things that I feel like the "any direction" just seems too general to be true.

Just for a concept check though, a force perpendicular to the motion of the object wouldn't change the validity of conservation of momentum though, would it?

Answer 4

Hint:
a) For conservation of linear momentum there can be no net external force acting on the system
b) For conservation of angular momentum there must be no net external torque
So for a constant perpendicular force which causes uniform circular motion, does that force create a net torque?