Linear Momentum And Impulse Flashcards
(9 cards)
Define Momentum
The momentum of a body is defined as the product of its mass and velocity
Momentum is a vector quantity.
Write the equation used to calculate momentum
P = mv
P represents momentum, m represents mass, and v represents velocity.
What do the letters in the momentum equation stand for?
- P = momentum (kg·m/s)
- M = mass (kg)
- V = velocity (m/s)
The units of momentum are derived from the units of mass and velocity.
State the principle of conservation of momentum
In the absence of external forces, the total momentum before a collision/explosion is equal to the total momentum after the collision/explosion
This principle applies to closed systems.
How can you tell if a collision is elastic or inelastic?
Check to see if KE is conserved in the collision
KE stands for kinetic energy.
If the collision is elastic…
KE before = KE after
In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
If the collision is inelastic…
KE before ≠ KE after
Inelastic collisions conserve momentum but not kinetic energy.
Define Impulse
Impulse is the product F x t
Impulse is also a vector quantity and is measured in Newton-seconds.
