Momentum and Impulse

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 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

What does the Law of Conservation of Momentum state?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is a type of collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, and the objects bounce apart after the collision.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not; the objects may stick together after colliding.

Front

What is the relationship between force, time, and impulse?

Back

Impulse is equal to the change in momentum, which can be calculated as the product of the average force applied and the time duration over which it is applied.

Front

How does increasing the time of impact affect force?

Back

Increasing the time of impact decreases the average force experienced during a collision, as impulse is spread over a longer time.

Front

What is the formula for calculating momentum?

Back

The formula for calculating momentum is p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Front

What happens to momentum in a closed system during a collision?

Back

In a closed system, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

Front

What is the effect of mass on momentum?

Back

Momentum increases with an increase in mass; for a constant velocity, a heavier object will have more momentum than a lighter one.