Momentum Flashcards
What is momentum
A vector quantity that is the product of mass and velocity
What is conservation of momentum in a closed system?
In a closed system:
Total momentum before event=Total momentum after event
What is a closed system
Something that is not affected by external forces
Where is momentum conserved?
Collisions and explosions
Explain what happens with momentum when a gun is fired
-The bullet gains forward momentum and the gun gains backwards momentum
-Before gun is fired the total momentum is zero because nothing is moving
-After being fired the momentum is zero because bullet and gun move in opposite directions
What happens during collisions
There is a change in momentum
Force of collision=Rate of change of momentum
What features increase time taken for a car collision?
-Seatbelts
-Airbags
-Crumple zones
How do these car safety features affect collision?
Decrease force of collision
