Impulse and Momentum

Front

What is momentum?

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, represented by the formula p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Front

What is the impulse-momentum theorem?

Back

The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse on an object is equal to the change in momentum it causes.

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 the product of force and time (Impulse = Force × Time).

Front

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Back

In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Front

What happens to momentum in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Front

How do you calculate the final velocity of two colliding objects that stick together?

Back

Use the conservation of momentum: (m1 * v1 + m2 * v2) / (m1 + m2) = final velocity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating impulse?

Back

Impulse = Change in momentum = Final momentum - Initial momentum.

Front

If a rubber ball bounces off a wall and a clay ball sticks to it, which experiences greater impulse?

Back

The rubber ball experiences greater impulse because it changes direction and has a greater change in momentum.

Front

What is the unit of momentum?

Back

The unit of momentum is kilogram meter per second (kg m/s).

Front

What is the significance of a negative velocity in momentum calculations?

Back

A negative velocity indicates direction; it affects the overall momentum calculation by contributing negatively to the total momentum.