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  1. AP Physics C Mechanics
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What is momentum (vecpvec{p}vecp)?

A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity: p⃗=mv⃗\vec{p} = m\vec{v}p​=mv

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What is momentum (vecpvec{p}vecp)?

A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity: p⃗=mv⃗\vec{p} = m\vec{v}p​=mv

What is Impulse (vecJvec{J}vecJ)?

The change in momentum of an object, equal to the force applied times the time interval: J⃗=Δp⃗=F⃗Δt\vec{J} = \Delta\vec{p} = \vec{F}\Delta tJ=Δp​=FΔt

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 (mv⃗m\vec{v}mv). Impulse: Change in momentum (Δp⃗\Delta\vec{p}Δp​), caused by a force acting over time.

Steps to solve a conservation of momentum problem?

  1. Identify the system. 2. Check for external forces. 3. Apply: ∑p⃗initial=∑p⃗final\sum \vec{p}_{initial} = \sum \vec{p}_{final}∑p​initial​=∑p​final​. 4. Solve for unknowns.

How to determine if a collision is elastic?

  1. 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?

  1. Determine the change in momentum (Δp⃗\Delta\vec{p}Δp​). 2. Alternatively, find the force applied (F⃗\vec{F}F) and the time interval (Δt\Delta tΔt). 3. Calculate: J⃗=Δp⃗=F⃗Δt\vec{J} = \Delta\vec{p} = \vec{F}\Delta tJ=Δp​=FΔt.