Momentum

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Momentum Noun

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[moh-men-tuhm]

Back

Momentum

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A vector quantity representing the 'mass in motion' of an object, calculated as the product of its mass and velocity.

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Example: This image shows the formula for momentum, where momentum (p) is the product of an object's mass (m) and its velocity (v).

Front

Vector Quantity Noun

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[vek-ter kwon-ti-tee]

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Vector Quantity

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A physical measurement that is fully described by possessing both a magnitude, or size, and a specific direction.

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Example: This diagram shows how vector quantities, like momentum, are added together by connecting them head-to-tail to find the total (resultant) vector.

Front

Impulse Noun

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[im-puhls]

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Impulse

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The change in an object's momentum resulting from a net force being applied over a specific duration of time.

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Example: This graph shows that impulse is the total effect of a force acting over a period of time, represented by the area under the Force vs. Time curve.

Front

Impulse-Momentum Theorem Noun

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[im-puhls moh-men-tuhm thee-uh-rem]

Back

Impulse-Momentum Theorem

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The fundamental principle stating that the impulse exerted on an object is precisely equal to its change in momentum.

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Example: When the car suddenly stops (an impulse), the box on top keeps moving forward due to its momentum, showing an object's motion only changes when a force is applied.

Front

Law of Conservation of Momentum Noun

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[law uv kon-ser-vey-shuhn uv moh-men-tuhm]

Back

Law of Conservation of Momentum

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The rule stating that the total momentum within an isolated system remains constant before and after any collision or interaction.

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Example: This diagram shows that in a collision, the total momentum of the two cars before they hit is equal to their total momentum after they hit.

Front

Isolated System Noun

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[ahy-suh-ley-tid sis-tuhm]

Back

Isolated System

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A system of interacting objects upon which the net external force is zero, ensuring momentum is conserved internally.

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Example: The Earth and Moon form a nearly isolated system. The main force (gravity) is internal, meaning no significant outside forces act on them, so their total momentum is conserved.

Front

Perfectly Elastic Collision Noun

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[pur-fekt-lee ih-las-tik kuh-lizh-uhn]

Back

Perfectly Elastic Collision

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A collision in which the total momentum and the total kinetic energy of the system are both conserved.

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Example: This diagram shows two objects before, during, and after a collision. They bounce off each other, illustrating how momentum is transferred in an elastic collision.

Front

Inelastic Collision Noun

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[in-ih-las-tik kuh-lizh-uhn]

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Inelastic Collision

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A collision in which total momentum is conserved, but total kinetic energy is not, with energy converted to other forms.

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Example: A projectile hits a stationary block and sticks to it; the combined object then swings upward, showing how momentum is transferred in an inelastic collision.

Front

Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

Back

Kinetic Energy

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The form of energy that an object possesses by virtue of being in motion, calculated from its mass and speed.

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Example: This diagram shows a soccer ball gaining kinetic energy as it is kicked, demonstrating that the energy of motion depends on an object's speed and mass.