If a rocket is propelled while in space, is the momentum of the rocket itself (not including the exhaust products) conserved?

Question

Addison Faulkner

Physics

21 April, 09:34

If a rocket is propelled while in space, is the momentum of the rocket itself (not including the exhaust products) conserved?

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Bridger Lam · Answer 1

No, the momentum is not conserved.

This is because the law of conservation of momentum applies to a system. Because the rocket is an object within the system, and not the entire system, which would include the exhaust products, the momentum of the rocket will not be conserved. However, if the complete system was taken into consideration, it would be observed that momentum is in fact conserved.