Collisions / Conservation of Momentum

Front

What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?

Back

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

A collision in which the objects stick together after impact and kinetic energy is not conserved.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

A collision in which the objects bounce off each other and kinetic energy is conserved.

Front

What is impulse?

Back

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time.

Front

How do you calculate momentum?

Back

Momentum (p) is calculated using the formula p = mass (m) × velocity (v).

Front

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

Back

Momentum is conserved in a closed system, meaning the total momentum before the collision equals the total momentum after.

Front

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Back

In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved; in inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved.

Front

What is the formula for calculating impulse?

Back

Impulse (J) is calculated as J = Force (F) × Time (t).

Front

What is the significance of the conservation of momentum?

Back

It allows us to predict the outcomes of collisions in isolated systems.

Front

What is a perfectly elastic collision?

Back

A collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.