Physics question: law of conservation of momentum, kinetic energy...In the classic computer game Portal, the player is asked to solve...?

Chris Coggins: a) Is this an accurate statement of the law of conservation of momentum? As thenarrator claims, does such a device conserve momentum? If not, why not?I would say NOT, because in the law of conservation of momentum we're usually talking about collisions between objects and/or the velocity of the center of mass of the system. I don't see how it could be applied to a single "speedy thing." IMO.b) Does this device conserve kinetic energy?Apparently it does.c) Does it conserve total energy (that is, kinetic energy 1/2mv^2 plus gravitational potential energy mgy?Apparently it does not. You reach the floor with velocity "v," and then you land on the higher surface with the same velocity AND some potential energy w/r/t the floor.Hope this helps!...Show more