Conservation of Momentum

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Impulse Noun

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[im-puls]

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Impulse

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

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Example: Applying a force (F) to an object for a period of time (Δt) creates an impulse, which changes the object's momentum (its motion).

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Momentum Noun

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[moh-men-tum]

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Momentum

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A vector quantity that is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing its quantity of motion.

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Example: This diagram shows that when two objects collide, the total momentum (mass times velocity) of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after.

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Impulse-Momentum Theorem Noun

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[im-puls moh-men-tum thee-uh-rem]

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Impulse-Momentum Theorem

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

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Example: A force applied over time (impulse), like a ball hitting a wall, causes a change in the object's momentum, making it bounce back.

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Closed System Noun

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[klohzd sis-tuhm]

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Closed System

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A physical system that does not exchange any matter with its surroundings, meaning it does not gain or lose mass.

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Example: This diagram shows a 'Closed System' as a container with a lid that allows energy (heat) to be exchanged with the surroundings but prevents matter from entering or leaving.

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Isolated System Noun

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

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Isolated System

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A closed system on which the net external force is zero, meaning it is free from outside influences.

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Example: The Earth and Moon form a system where the main forces, like gravity, are internal. This is a common example of an isolated system.

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Internal Forces Noun

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[in-tur-nl for-sez]

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Internal Forces

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Forces that objects within a defined system exert on each other, which do not change the system's total momentum.

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Example: The two people are part of one system. The forces they use to pull the rope are internal forces, which are equal and opposite and don't change the system's overall momentum.

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External Force Noun

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[ek-stur-nl fors]

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External Force

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A force exerted on any part of a system by an object that is outside of that particular system.

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Example: An external force, like gravity, acts on the ball, causing it to roll down the ramp and change its momentum from rest.

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Law of Conservation of Momentum Noun

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

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Law of Conservation of Momentum

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The principle stating that the total momentum of any closed, isolated system remains constant and does not change.

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Example: This diagram shows two objects colliding. The total momentum (mass times velocity) of the objects before the collision is equal to their total momentum after.

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Inelastic Collision Noun

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

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Inelastic Collision

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A type of collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved, and the colliding objects often stick together afterward.

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Example: A heavy bowling ball and a light volleyball collide; after impact, they both move in the same direction, showing how momentum is transferred in an inelastic collision.

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Recoil Noun

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[ree-koil]

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Recoil

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The backward motion experienced by an object when it pushes another object forward, as described by momentum conservation.

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Example: When a cannon fires a cannonball forward, the cannon is pushed backward with an equal and opposite momentum. This backward movement is called recoil.