All Flashcards
What is momentum ()?
A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity:
What is Impulse ()?
The change in momentum of an object, equal to the force applied times the time interval:
What is a closed system (in the context of momentum)?
A system where no external forces act upon it, meaning the total momentum remains constant.
Define elastic collision.
A collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Define inelastic collision.
A collision where momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy.
What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
A collision where objects stick together after impact, resulting in the maximum loss of kinetic energy.
Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions?
Elastic: Kinetic energy conserved, objects bounce off each other cleanly. Inelastic: Kinetic energy not conserved, some energy lost as heat/deformation, objects may stick together.
Momentum vs. Impulse?
Momentum: Measure of an object's motion (). Impulse: Change in momentum (), caused by a force acting over time.
Steps to solve a conservation of momentum problem?
- Identify the system. 2. Check for external forces. 3. Apply: . 4. Solve for unknowns.
How to determine if a collision is elastic?
- Calculate the total kinetic energy before the collision. 2. Calculate the total kinetic energy after the collision. 3. If kinetic energy is conserved (KEinitial = KEfinal), the collision is elastic.
Steps to calculate impulse?
- Determine the change in momentum (). 2. Alternatively, find the force applied () and the time interval (). 3. Calculate: .