h3. Multi-Object Systems [!copyright and waiver^SectionEdit.png!|Momentum (Multi-Object]
The linear form of [Newton's Second Law] when written in terms of momentum implies that it is easily generalized to allow for a [system] consisting of many objects. Simply add the contributions from all the objects within the system:
{latex}\begin{large}\[ \sum_{\rm sys} \vec{p}_{f} = \sum_{\rm sys} \vec{p}_{i} + \sum_{\rm ext}\vec{J}\]\end{large}{latex}
It is important to realize that although we are now allowing multiple objects within the [system], the relevant [impulse] to add on the right hand side of [Newton's Second Law] is still only the _[external|external force]_ [impulse]. Impulses applied to one [system constituent] by another [system constituent] are canceledend up canceling out of the equation by [Newton's Third Law].
|