All Flashcards
What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?
Elastic: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Inelastic: Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.
What are the steps to solving collision problems?
- Identify the type of collision (elastic or inelastic). 2. Conserve momentum: . 3. If elastic, conserve kinetic energy: . 4. Solve for unknowns.
How do you calculate the center of mass for a system of particles?
Use the formula: for the x-coordinate, and a similar formula for the y-coordinate.
What happens when the net external force on a system is zero?
The total momentum of the system remains constant.
What happens in a completely inelastic collision?
Objects stick together, and kinetic energy is not conserved.
What happens if the net external force on a system is zero regarding the center of mass?
The acceleration of the center of mass is zero; if moving, it continues with the same velocity.
What happens if there's a net external force on a system regarding the center of mass?
The center of mass will accelerate as if it were a single particle with the total mass of the system.