Conservation of Momentum

Front

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

Back

The principle states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Front

Define momentum.

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, represented as p = mv.

Front

What happens to momentum in a collision?

Back

In a collision, the total momentum before the collision equals the total momentum after the collision, provided no external forces act.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

An inelastic collision is one in which momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Front

How do you calculate the final velocity of two objects that stick together after a collision?

Back

Use the formula: (m1*v1 + m2*v2) / (m1 + m2), where m1 and m2 are the masses and v1 and v2 are the initial velocities.

Front

What is impulse?

Back

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time, calculated as Impulse = Force × Time.

Front

How does impulse relate to momentum?

Back

Impulse is equal to the change in momentum of an object: Impulse = Δp = p_final - p_initial.

Front

What is the formula for calculating momentum?

Back

Momentum (p) = mass (m) × velocity (v).

Front

If two objects collide and one is at rest, how do you find the velocity of the moving object after the collision?

Back

Use conservation of momentum: m1*v1_initial + m2*v2_initial = m1*v1_final + m2*v2_final.