Physics Fast Facts: Collisions

Front

The direction of an object's momentum is always __________ its direction of motion.

Back

the same as

Front

For an inelastic collision of two masses, M1 and M2, with two velocities, V1 and V2, after the collision, their total momentum will be equal to: M1V1 + M2V2 = __________.

Back

(M1 + M2)V3

Front

The standard units for momentum are __________.

Back

Newton-seconds, Ns.

Front

The only time when momentum of a system is NOT conserved is when a force is exerted by an object that's __________.

Back

not in the system

Front

True/False: Momentum is a vector.

Back

True

Front

Define momentum.

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

Front

What is the formula for momentum?

Back

p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

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

What happens to momentum in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total momentum before and after a collision remains constant.