Impulse and Momentum

Front

Impulse Noun

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[im-puls]

Back

Impulse

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The product of the average force on an object and the time interval over which that force acts.

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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 shaded area.

Front

Momentum Noun

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[moh-men-tuhm]

Back

Momentum

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The product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing the quantity of motion of a moving body.

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Example: When the moving car stops, the box continues moving forward because of its momentum, which is the tendency of a moving object to stay in motion.

Front

Frame of Reference Noun

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[freym uhv ref-er-uhns]

Back

Frame of Reference

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A coordinate system or set of axes used to measure the position, orientation, and motion of objects.

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Example: An object's motion depends on the observer's point of view. To person C, the cart is moving, but to an observer inside the cart, points A and B are stationary.

Front

Impulse-Momentum Theorem Noun

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[im-puls moh-men-tuhm thee-uh-ruhm]

Back

Impulse-Momentum Theorem

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A principle stating that the impulse acting on an object is equal to the object's change in momentum.

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Example: This image proves that the units for impulse (N·s) and momentum (kg·m/s) are the same by breaking them down into basic units.

Front

Angular Momentum Noun

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[ang-gyuh-ler moh-men-tuhm]

Back

Angular Momentum

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The rotational equivalent of linear momentum, defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and angular velocity.

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Example: A spinning ice skater demonstrates angular momentum, which is the rotational momentum of an object. The skater's spin is a form of rotational motion.

Front

Moment of Inertia Noun

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[moh-muhnt uhv ih-nur-shuh]

Back

Moment of Inertia

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A quantity measuring an object's resistance to angular acceleration, dependent on its mass and mass distribution from the axis.

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Example: An ice skater spins slower with arms out (large moment of inertia) and faster with arms in (small moment of inertia), showing how mass distribution affects rotation.

Front

Angular Velocity Noun

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[ang-gyuh-ler vuh-los-i-tee]

Back

Angular Velocity

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The rate of change of angular position, specifying the rotational speed and direction of a rotating body.

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Example: Steam pushes on the turbine blades, causing the wheel to spin at a certain rate around its central axis, which is its angular velocity.

Front

Angular Impulse Noun

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[ang-gyuh-ler im-puls]

Back

Angular Impulse

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The product of the average torque on a rotating object and the time interval over which the torque acts.

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Example: Applying a force to a wrench handle for a period of time creates torque, which results in an angular impulse that turns the nut.

Front

Torque Noun

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[tork]

Back

Torque

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A measure of the twisting force that causes an object to rotate about an axis, the rotational equivalent of force.

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Example: A force (like a child's weight) applied to a lever (seesaw) at a distance from the pivot point (fulcrum) creates a turning effect called torque.

Front

Angular Impulse-Angular Momentum Theorem Noun

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[ang-gyuh-ler im-puls ang-gyuh-ler moh-men-tuhm thee-uh-ruhm]

Back

Angular Impulse-Angular Momentum Theorem

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A principle stating that the angular impulse on an object equals the object's change in angular momentum.

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Example: An applied torque (M) causes an object to rotate around an axis, illustrating a scenario involving angular impulse and momentum.